Back on to another album review, again a bit late but it is worth the wait (the music that is, not the review. Well maybe the review as well!). This post is all about Deetrich and her debut album "Tug of War".
I have already featured Deetrich on the blog. You can find that post of her background here. To briefly sum that up, Deetrich (aka Dee Doyle) is formally the lead singer of Kilkenny band Dali but is now following her own musical path. The album titled "Tug of War" has just been released. The date of release seems apt. With some impressive cover art, the album consists of ten songs full of feelings of late summer wistfulness, positivity but also sadness and heartache.
The album was produced by Leo Pearson (who has previously worked with U2 and Elvis Costello) at his own Barn Studios in Kilkenny. As well as that, Leo played a lot of instruments on this album. Needless to say, the production values on the album are quality. The album deliberately feels both warm and cold in different parts, reflecting the themes of this collection of tracks. A particular highlight of mine is "Can't Sleep at night". It's full of spaghetti western musical references with its lavish reverb full lead guitar and washboard. The first single "Bent out of shape" is a slow starter, string picked guitar and brushes on the drums, the song slowly builds into reaffirming chorus of calls, electric guitars and reminder that sound is comforting. The live version does just as good a job of this.
Previously I mentioned the two tracks that were available to stream "Hold Your Fire" and "No Job, No Money". Listened to separate from the album, both tracks seem juxtaposed. However when placed in the context of the album, it's easy to understand that they are songs that showcase different aspects of the album. "No Job, No Money" belongs with "Yellow Radio", "I'm Alive" and the current single as warm, life affirming songs. Things might be tough but it's still possible to enjoy the world nonetheless.
"Hold You Fire" along with "Danger with My Feet", "Maybe It’s Time" and "Red Blooded Male" examine that most common of themes of songs: love and relationships. "Maybe It’s Time" is a slow and sparse echoing the sombre lyrics of someone talking to their own heart. "Red Blooded Male", beautifully arranged with accordion, organ, and bursts of harmonica is a tale of a reality-check for "a man with no shame". "Hold Your Fire" could be viewed in the same light. The words suggest a relationship faltering. The melody manages to compliment the words with the heightened chorus and wonderful string accompaniments.
I previously compared Deetrich to americana female artists like Lucinda Williams as new americana artists like Sarah Jaffe and Jessica Lea Mayfield. This collection would feel at home beside those artists catalogues. A grower of an album, after a few listens it will be hard not to come across something you don't like on it. From summery sounding americana anthems of life to the contemplative dirges, it is an album where the whole is an interesting as the parts that make it. Astute and thoughtful songs from a female perspective.
You can purchase the album on Itunes or if you prefer the physical version (worth it even for the cover art), I see it's available on Tower Records site or more cheaply on her record label's site. The facebook is best place to keep updated with all her activity.
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