Dot Dash Are Back Already

searchlightsI haven’t found a band quite like Dot Dash; they’ve worked incredibly hard and steady through the last five years, putting out album after album…and each one worthy of your time! They just put up their fifth record in five years, Searchlights, and I figured you needed a heads-up. I love how the band’s been able to really work in so many sounds for all their releases, via Aussie tendencies, punk, or, in the case below, delectable power-pop. Filling their records in such a way keeps your listening experience moving/changing. You’re not going to get bored, with each song turning into something different for you to love. Enjoy this sample, and go spend your day listening to the rest of the new LP, out now via The Beautiful Music.

Another Free Dot Dash Jam

ddsWhy not bring you another Dot Dash tune, courtesy of our favorite little DC band.  Why do I love the band so much, you ask? They blend all these elements that have become the core of my listening…fusing power pop, punk, post rock and even some doses of indie pop.  It’s quite a blend, and all those elements actually seem to be crammed tightly into this quick little jam they’ve offered up to their fans.  It’s one of the many special jams you’ll find endearing on their newest effort, Earthquakes & Tidal Waves, which is available now via The Beautiful Music.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/01-The-Winter-of-Discontent.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – The Winter of Discontent [MP3]

Fresh Tune from Dot Dash

ddsOver the course of our blog career I’ve always had an ear for DC’s Dot Dash, so I’m happy to share this new power-pop tune that they’ve just released to celebrate their brand new album.  It’s a short track, featuring the band’s blend of punk elements (hear the vocals) with classic pop guitar chords.  There’s a bit of nostalgia here too, falling somewhere in the realm between old Weasel and late Jawbreaker. Look to pick up their brand new album Earthquakes & Tidal Waves from the Beautiful Music; it’s available for purchase now!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dot-Dash-Earthquakes-Tidal-Waves-03-Rainclouds.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – Rainclouds [MP3]

Dot Dash – Half-Remembered Dream

DotDashCoverArtRating: ★★★★☆

This day and age, bands tend to get caught up in fighting for, or against, the status quo of musical movements within the indie scene.  But, some bands just decide to go on their own, writing songs that are full of heart and self-expression; Dot Dash is one such band.  Their third full-length, Half-Remembered Dream, is an ascendency into pop perfection, making nods to the pass, while crafting songs that stand on their own in today’s landscape.

“Here’s to the Ghosts of the Past” opens the affair with a strong riffing guitar; it’s occasionally bisected by a noisier down-stroke on the guitar, creating a sound that’s built for fans of guitar pop.  The warmth of the vocals hold you close to the song, drawing you into what might otherwise be a noisy piece of pop.  That gentleness remains throughout most of Half-Remembered Dream, and it’s made more noticeable on the following track, “Hands of Time.” While the opener had guitars as the hero, the voice takes precedence on this tune; it’s close to a ballad, at least as close as you’ll get from this DC outfit.  There’s a change in pitch just after the 1 minute mark that’s a really nice touch too.

Personally, I enjoy the fact that Dot Dash always seems to be messing with.  On “Do Re Mi” they craft this brooding intro, hinting at a darkness that I wasn’t expecting, so I start to immerse myself in that mood.  But, they abruptly start, choosing to blast off into this heavy-handed piece of powerful guitar pop, starring this sparkling guitar line.  You’ll find varying melodies within this track too, which is one of the reason’s I’ve always appreciated the band; they’re not some one-trick pony.

I think one of the sad things about the music world is that truly great songs get dismissed due to label association or hype, but if you do anything today, try to take a listen to “Shopworn Excuse.”  For me, this is the band at their absolute best.  There’s this certain gleaming polish to the guitar sound, and the vocals take on a completely different tone than I’ve encountered from the group to date.  It’s almost a homage to twee, but done via adaptation from Dot Dash.  It’s followed up a few songs later by my second favorite track, the album’s closing moment: “The Sound in Shells.”  I love the shimmering guitar sound that cascades through the speakers, fighting against the reserved pop sensibility expressed in the vocals.

Odds are, unless you’ve been following the hip cognoscenti such as The Big Takeover, or perhaps even ourselves, you might not have heard of Dot Dash yet.  That’s okay, but this band is begging for your ears.  They’ve got polished guitar pop that maintains a sharp edge, all the while juxtaposing it with the incredible melodies that are naturally created by the vocals.  You’ll do well for yourself today if you go spend some time with Half-Remembered Dream.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Dot-Dash-Half-Remembered-Dream-01-Heres-to-The-Ghosts-of-The-Past.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – (Here’s to) The Ghosts of The Past [MP3]

Yet Another Hit from Dot Dash

dotdashWhen it rains it pours, and in this case, it’s raining hits for our friends in Dot Dash.  The DC group has just released their latest LP, Half-Remembered Dream, via The Beautiful Music, and the latest single is just another reason why more people should put everything down to fall in love with this band. There’s a bit more of a punkier element on this track, but the warmth of the vocals, which dominates the new record, really does wonders to keep the song perfectly balanced throughout.  If you’re in need of a new album that combines great melodies with power-pop guitars, then go get your hands on this year’s hottest ticket.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/03-Bloom_Decay.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – Bloom/Decay [MP3]

Fresh Pop Rock from Dot Dash

dotdashdcI’ve written about Dot Dash on several occasions over the last few years, raving about their last LP, Winter Garden Light.  I’m excited to let you all know that the group is back with their new album, Half-Remembered Dream.  The first single from the album is just pure rock n’ roll; I love the band’s style of guitar playing, but I’m really impressed with the vocals this time around.  They have such a soft quality to them, providing a nice little juxtaposition between vocals and instruments; this track reminds me of Nada Surf to a certain degree.  The album was just released by The Beautiful Music, but you can also pick it up from the band.  Here’s to a band you might not know, but definitely need in your musical collection.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Dot-Dash-Half-Remembered-Dream-01-Heres-to-The-Ghosts-of-The-Past.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – (Here’s to) The Ghosts of The Past [MP3]

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