To begin with I just want to say how exciting it is to be doing my first review and how lovely it is for the first one to be a band such as Dresses. The band have recently supported Kate Nash and their debut album ‘Sun Shy’ was released digitally earlier this month. It is super easy listening and reminds me of the diminishing summer, unlocking memories of sun and smiles.
The Portland-based indie-folk duo met through high school friends. They made a plan and started writing straight away; on their first actual meeting they began ’Blew My Mind’ which later became their first single. The pair are made up of real-life couple, lead singer Timothy Heller (yes this is her real name, and what a cool name it is) and guitarist and singer, Jarad Ryan. I think this cute fact adds to the beautiful vibe that the album portrays. When I first listened to it I instantly liked the catchy and fun feel that ‘Sun Shy!’ starts with. The first track ‘Back To Life’ makes you immediately want to share the music and brighten peoples days.
Dresses’ sound is quite unique with beautiful harmonies clearly showing the happy couple are in sync. Their voices fit perfectly together. A bit like PB&J or a brew and biscuit. While they maintain that unique Dresses feel, the couple have an infectious sound similar to that of The Lumineers and Of Monsters and Men, mixing indie-folk and pop.
I like the album as a whole and two of my particular favourite songs are ’Friends Are Dead’ and ’Sun Shy’, there is just something about them that cheer me up. The home made video that accompanies the track ’Sun Shy’ enhances the friendly, down-to-earth ora that the band emit. When I first listened to ‘Friends Are Dead’ after a discussion with a friend about the title all I can imagine now is a cartoon dinosaur wandering open fields. And this slightly weird confession is something that makes me smile every time I hear the song. Probably why it has become one of my favourite tracks this cute cartoon dino adding to the already great tune that exists.
The album overall is well rounded, each song nicely blending with the next so the summery vibe is constant; perfect driving music! There is something on there for everyone, and it seems the album was written with this in mind. The more folky songs, poppy songs and of course the slower ones. I’m pretty sure that anyone could find a song that they like on the album even if this style of music isn’t ‘their cup of tea’. ‘Sun Shy’ is a good start but I feel that there is better to come from Dresses and I look forward to hearing it.
3.5/5
‘Sun Shy’ by Dresses is digitally out now and physically out on the 22nd October on SideOneDummy Records.
Dresses links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Words by Megan Pacey (@megan_rose92)
