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Here's what first dragged me into this album: an opening sequence
so anthemic that it could easily sit next to Angel And Airwaves.
But when your band name is Donots, most people aren't going
to expect a booking at a stadium or equivalent. However, after listening
to the rest of their album The Long Way Home, I'm not quite
ready to write them off of a stadium tour, yet.
So let's go back to that opening song, it goes by the title "Changes".
Huge strums drawn out for extra emphasis, a chorus of gut-produced
rock vocals and a basic percussion beat to hold it all together. Instantly
you're on their side, without needing to listen to the rest of the
album. Switching genres you get "Let It Go" with its folk
strings and happy-go-lucky rhythmic chords. No frills lyrics make
it so the melody gets front-in-center for attention, while at the
same time having enough conviction and emotion that most fans will
find it hard to not sing along.
With 17 songs all averaging about three minutes, you've got a lot
to choose from, not to mention a lot of chances to find something
you fancy. Personally, I've got a soft spot for the acoustic side
of life and thus another song that pokes out for me is "The Years
Gone By". We're back to a sentiment that everything's going to
be alright - as long as you're listening to this song, that is. When
a harmonica shows up and choirboy harmonies round everything off,
a smile is going to be hard to ignore.
For fans of My Chemical Romance, take a listen to "Break
My Stride". Anger comes out heavy in fury-fast punk guitars and
the screw-you-all vocals. There is just a hint of melody, but it's
just small enough to be heard and forgotten. Besides you're supposed
to be rocking your face off. Near the end of the album you'll find
"Stop The Clocks" with its set of backing chords that have
a slightly somber, yet still dancey groove to them. When voices combine
the result is almost beautiful. A foot tap is needed to keep the song
going - metaphorically. Actually though, it's a post-pop, semi-Beach
House-ish sway that maintains the energy of the song.
Were 17 songs necessary? Probably not. But if this is your first
introduction to Donots, like it was mine, seventeen is just the right
amount to find some sounds that you're sure to like.
-Rachel Fredrickson
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