Dreamtigers – Fools (Grinding Tapes Recordings, 2010)

by Matt Willers on Feb 05^th, 2011

In a time where the radio is flooded by overproduced electronic music, it’s good to throw on something that is the complete opposite every now and then.  Getting back to that down-home sound is a key necessity to not only keeping one’s sanity, but also for finding that long lost appreciation for great musicianship and raw talent that has made the art prevail since, well, the beginning of time.  It is a form of art that is so simple, yet so intricate.  So generic, and so hard to obtain.  The latest release entitled Fools by Dreamtigers has to hit nail it right on the head.  Whether it be a folky sound you are looking to relax to, or something to hit the town and have a few beers with; do NOT sway away from this album.

Fools has a way of getting straight to your core.  Its twangy guitar tones and elaborate vocal harmonies seem to mold a collaboration of folk, rock, and indie all in to one distinct sound.  Shining through are influences of the greats; Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, and even Bruce Springsteen.

From the catchy, faster paced opening track “Dear John,” to its slower and more power-driven follow-up ballad “Envious Turn;” this album covers all of the bases.  One of the more enticing pieces of the album is the song “Marchers;” the slow introduction prepares you for a chorus that inflates with each repeat — all to the point of you singing along at the top of your lungs by the end of the song.

If you grew up listening to your parents old folk records, or are just looking for something a little more traditional than the monotonous radio beat pulsing, this album provides.  Whether it be in a pub, a venue, or just the couch in your living room, Fools by Dreamtigers is a great way to escape from the world and enjoy some homegrown raw creativity.

Reviewer: Matt Willers