Dawes – North Hills

Hi, my name is Kelly and I am an eMusic addict. I thought I had left the dangerous and destructive world of subscription music service behind me, but I recently suffered a relapse of sickening and heartbreaking proportions. The album that is perhaps my favorite score from a recent bender is the latest LP from Cali’s Dawes (Official / Myspace), North Hills.

It’s been tough to miss this quartet in the recent music press. With write-ups in many pubs, including an endorsement in Rolling Stone, I am likely not going to shock you with any new thoughts or revelations on the band’s folk-rock vibe that has been sweetened by the sun-drenched honey of L.A.’s Laurel Canyon. Lo-fi without being gritty, the harmonies are unencumbered by slick production and remain easy-going throughout, especially in “Give Me Time”. Not all is as laid-back as you would think. “When My Time Comes” is a driving, bouncing sing-along anthem that likely represents what latter-day Kings of Leon would sound like if they weren’t so oily slick.

Tags: Dawes, Laurel Canyon