NW Noise Reviews
The Dimes Bring New England To Mississippi Studios
MP3 of The Liberator
In what was billed as a very special show, The Dimes did not disappoint. Playing 70 minutes of almost all new material, Johnny, Pierre, Ryan, and Jake performed the music they have been working on since last December’s release of their full length debut, The Silent Generation. The new album is shaping up to be a concept album about Boston (that is to say Boston, the city, not Boston, the band, though a cover of More Than A Feeling on the new album would be met with open arms from this reviewer), guitarist Pierre Kaiser’s hometown.
Between multiple rounds of musical chairs on Mississippi Studios’ small stage and several instrument changes (Johnny rocked a mandolin while Ryan plucked on the banjo) the band obviously enjoyed previewing their latest tunes for family and friends. The new songs play on The Dimes’ strengths: lyrical story-telling, sing-along choruses, and plenty of hand-clapping, while reflecting the maturity of a band that has grown together after months of endless touring. While songs about American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, the Charles Street Jail, Paul Revere, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Evangeline” might remind the audience of attending history and literature classes back in high school, they were all too busy enjoying the new tracks to notice or care. The band also threw in three fan favorites, “Letters In The Sea”, “Paul Kern Can’t Sleep”, and “Salt And Foam” for good measure.
As an added bonus, each member in the audience received a two song demo CD, featuring Trimountaine (Boston) and The Liberator, both played at the evening’s show. The EP will have to hold the fans over until the new album is released either later this year or early the next. For those who can’t wait until then, The Dimes kick off their West Coast Spring Tour this weekend at the Doug Fir with The Minus 5 and The Heavenly States. Show is Friday, April 25 at 9PM and the boys of NW Noise will be there, so be sure to say hello.
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Wines, Apr 21, 10:14 AM:
i can’t agree enough and i’m glad i wasn’t the only one who walked away from that night completely in awe of what i experienced. fun times!
i would also like to mention that the newest member of the band, Ehren Ebbage, appears to have been overlooked… not to mention his truly beautiful opening solo set that had Mississippi Studios as intensely quiet as i’ve ever heard it, Ehren’s handywork on the lap steel, acoustic guitar, and his killer spot-on harmonies definitely add a new demension to this band. plus, he’s a good looking fellow too. hard to miss, if you ask me…
[there, i hope i’ve lived upto my name appropriately (wines)]
JP, Apr 21, 10:25 AM:
Many apologies to Ehren Ebbage who was, in fact, inadvertantly overlooked in this review. He most certainly is a welcome addition to the band and I look forward to watching the new dynamic he brings to the music. Thank you Mr. Wines for your correction.