The Dandy Warhols

Distortland

BY Laura SciarpellettiPublished Apr 6, 2016

9
True fans of Portland, OR outfit the Dandy Warhols know that the group maintain an infinite curiosity, even in the relatively under-the-radar years since their most popular hit "Bohemian Like You" hit the airwaves. But after nine studio albums and nowhere near the success of their "We Used To Be Friends" days, the Dandys are free to stay 100% true to the sound they want, and they've done just that with their tenth album, Distortland.
 
This LP is pure Dandy Warhols, saturated with Courtney Taylor-Taylor's moody, drawled vocals, wailing guitars and introspective, oddball lyricism. It's clear from the first bars of opener "Search Party" that the Dandys decided to focus on a guitar-driven sound here, Taylor-Taylor's party-hard-then-write-a-song method continuing after having carried the band throughout their career. It's a sound that's cemented them as a highly consistent group with plenty of lyrical depth to plumb.
 
A no-doubt fast favourite for fans, "Pope Reverend Jim" has a real neo-Buddy Holly feel to it, and "All the Girls in London" proves that the band can still pen songs as effortlessly catchy as they always have. The first single off the album, "You Are Killing Me" showcases the group's signature angst-ridden pop style, but it's the playful songs like "Catcher in the Rye," driven by a relentless bass line, underlying intelligence and a stoner vibe, that make Distortland such a joy to listen to.
(Dine Alone)

Latest Coverage