Worcester Music Forum

The Dastards -  Debut Album (sort of..)

The Dastards are a Worcester band that I have heard alot about but never actually seen live, except for the odd occasion where Wake (lead singer/main bloke) has been doing a solo acoustic set. They have their debut album coming out in October of which this CD is a kind of promo version. And from the sounds of it, its going to be good. There are 14 tracks on here, all of which are originals and all worthy of being stuck on the album.

The Dastards list the band Dashboard Confessional as one of their influences and I can defiantly see the resemblance. Acoustic led indie rock with catchy choruses, distinct vocals and a warm feeling to the sound. Wake has one of those voices that you just recognise straight away.

The opening track Scaffolds of Muscle sets the scene for what we are to expect in the next 14 tracks. Powerfully clean vocals, tight upbeat feel, and a well crafted guitar led rock track. 

It gets more atmospheric with Life On The Edge with Wakes almost whispered vocals and almost eighties feel, building into a dance influenced number.

The last single What I Came For is next and shows that not only the band great musicians but Wake is also a great songwriter.

A change of pace with piano intro'd and seemingly duelled vocaled I know followed by the awesome next single Flashlights with it's almost country tinged guitar intro, Pet Shop Boys ish keyboard loop and a overall sound that has elements of a indie rocked Stan Ridgeway. Quite a remarkable track and a great choice for a single.

One More Night and Not Too Early slow things down a bit along with the Bob Dylanish Change Coming On, an amazing acoustic track with some great lyrics and terrific  guitar work. A truly awesome song.

More original Dastard tunes follow with Shoot From The Hip. Spitting Roses, This Time proving that this band can seem to do no wrong. Unknown Metaphor is a tremendous upbeat fun sounding sound that has your feet tapping away with the brass built bridge section. Quite  original and very listenable.

The CD appears to get heavier with track 13, Blood. A more rocked out track than we are used to by the band, but with the distinct vocals of Wake, a Dastards track non the less.

The final track, Trouble is an acoustic guitar based song not dissimilar to psychedelic Beatles stuff. A softer number that builds up slowely to include the entire band. Rather uncomfortable drumming in places and great little chorus make this quite a unique and enoyable, if not understated, closing track to a damn fine CD. www.myspace.com/thedastards 

Review by Chris Bennion