The Dexateens--s/t
Estrus 2004
Many bands incorporate a wide range of influences into what they do but very few wind up creating music that transcends their core audience in the process. With this self-titled CD, the Dexateens have done just that. As likely to be a household name as to be grinding it out for beer in a smoke-filled club near you, this band has crafted some extremely fresh and compelling music on this release.
The base of the Dexateens sound lies rooted in the same New York Dolls/Stones swagger-meets-Stooges ferocity as bands like the Neckbones. That said, the Dexateens distinguish themselves from the herd by injecting a healthy dose of country & western twang into the mix, as well as a bit of hard rock power, in spots. In those moments where their hard rock influences spark up, the Dexateens manage to cultivate a nice Mono Men styled vibe. Though this is the least prevalent aspect of their sound, it certainly switches up things nicly when it shines through. Otherwise, the Dexateens do a great job coming off as the gutter rock equivalent of George Thoroughgood--this musc has a drawl to it only Southern boys could get right.
In the face of such a wide array of influences, the Dexateens manage to keep every base covered thanks to top-notch songwriting. While there are great moments of breaking form, such as with the psych of "Air We Breathe" and its reprise, or with the Mono Men inspired smackdown of "Still Gone," this album is really about the rock and twang. Rockers will more than get their dose in cuts such as "Settle Down," "The Fixer," and "Strangle Hold." However, the band are really at their best on the country & western leaning material, standouts being the album opening "Cardboard Hearts," as well as "Hard Lovin'" and "Shelter."
It is in fact those twang-filled turns that contain the greatest revelation about this album--the fact it is brimming with "crossover potential." Sure to appeal just as much to the alt country set as the average garage rocker, this album is a triumph on many different levels. As likely to be played on mainstream radio as to be embraced by underground circles, The Dexateens have crafted an album that deserves to have its cake and eat it, too.
Score this CD directly from ESTRUS
|
