dropkick. “dot the I” (Taylored Records, 2008)

More sunshine pop from Scots band

Favourably reviewed here in the past, dropkick’s latest album continues the upward curve evident on their past few releases. Twelve songs that capture a power pop spirit tinged with a country edge, shimmering guitars and vocal harmonies recall classic California bands and more local contemporaries such as Teenage Fanclub and Daniel Wylie.
From the opening title track which sets the tone for the album to the closer, “Good Vibes”, a cheeky nod in the direction of those other brothers, The Wilsons, there are chockloads of radio friendly tunes. The recorder solo in “dot the I” adds an endearingly whimsical touch. “Figure it Out” is a song about one of life’s losers who tries to sell his soul on Ebay, lyrically this could have sprung from the pen of Gerry Rafferty in his very early, pre Baker Street era. While the Taylor brothers write primarily in the pop idiom with Beatlesesque flourishes and occasional flashes of the Byrds in the guitars, guitarist Roy Taylor (no relation) adds a more muscular sound as displayed on “Backdoor key” and in particular on “Girlfriend.” Here the band strays into territory normally inhabited by the likes of the Drive By Truckers and pull it off.
Overall an excellent album with the only grumble being an occasional flat production that at times muddies the sound.

Date review added:  Monday, March 17, 2008
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  band website