LA-based retro-rockers Dawes relocated to Ashville, NC to record their third album, Stories Don’t End, which comes from a line in Joan Didion’s 1984 wartime novel Democracy. This time, the band enlisted producer Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Norah Jones, Tom Waits) in an effort to push their music to a new level and beyond the retro Laurel Canyon Americana they have become known for. Stories Don’t End is Dawes most intricate music to date, full of colorful detours and surprising instrumental flavors and a sharper sound. Notable tracks include: the Jayhawks-esque harmonies on “Most People”, experimental guitars and synths on “Bear Witness”, “From a Window Seat (Rivers and Freeways)” which recalls Midlake, and the woebegone “Something in Common.” The more contemporary sound on Stories Don’t End is successful but doesn’t completely leave past influences behind – I look forward to future Dawes albums as they strive for a sound that is all their own. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Deer Tick, Delta Spirit, Langhorne Slim, Middle Brother, My Morning Jacket, Joe Pug