OXFORD: The Bullingdon

Sunday 15th July, 2012

7:30pm

Event information

Dawes emerged in 2009 after the disintegration of Taylor Goldsmith's past project Simon Dawes, which led the band towards folkier horizons. Largely due to night after night of relentless touring, the band, and their first album, ‘North Hills’, (which is now being released in the UK), worked their ways beyond the sunny skies of California and into the hearts of America. Best described as an American rock band, Dawes is a group of two brothers, Taylor on guitar and lead vocals and Griffin Goldsmith on drums, joined by two long-time friends, Wylie Gelber on bass and Tay Strathairn on the keys. Their chemistry is natural, infectious and entirely evident on ‘North Hills’, which was (like new album ‘Nothing Is Wrong’) brilliantly produced by Jonathan Wilson and cut from full-band takes recorded on 2" analog tape - the end result being as close to a live setting as one can preserve.

A prequel, if you will, to 2011's critically acclaimed album ‘Nothing is Wrong’, ‘North Hills’ is Dawes' first effort, a glimpse at the roots of a now fully grown band. Comprised of 11 soul-bearing tracks, the album is drenched with the essence of the band's native California, evoking the mythology of 1970s Los Angeles without compromising their contemporary sound. Hazy ballads like the album's opening tunes 'That Western Skyline', and first single 'Love is All I Am' are balanced with soaring, stadium-ready tracks like 'When My Time Comes,' showcasing the band's dynamic, versatile, and cohesive talent. With swelling harmonies and ambitious guitar solos, rolling bass lines and heartbeat drums, ‘North Hills’ is an authentic slice of 21st Century Americana.

In March this year Dawes wrapped up their first headlining European tour, including three sold-out London shows. They'll be back for a handful of festival dates in July, which will include sharing a stage with Bruce Springsteen at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park.

like early Jackson Browne or Jimmy Webb, albeit with a more knowing, rootsy swagger" AMERICANA ALBUM OF THE MONTH ★★★★ UNCUT

"Their strong songs are delivered with serenity and confidence" ★★★★ MOJO

"Dawes can proudly count themselves among the best bands to come out of Los Angeles" ALBUM OF THE WEEK ★★★★½ THE SUN