The Dum Dum Girls’ New Album “End of Daze”

 

Sub Pop Records has released some of the most influential artists currently in the music industry. Their reputation continues with Dum Dum Girls- not just your typical girl band, dressed in all black, who refuse to take off their sunglasses. This California-based band formed in 2009 with a dream pop, rock sound led by front woman Dee Dee Penny, who is the singer and songwriter. The band began with multiple singles and EPs, and finally released their first album in 2010. Still experimenting, they put out a catchy sound that focused on feelings of conflict and love. Thanks to Kristen Gundred, stage name Dee Dee, the lyrics added sophistication and developed the songs fully.

Their second album sounded similar in 2011 with, Only in Dreams. On September 25, 2012, the band released End of Daze, a clearer vision than Only in Dreams. The band has traveled a long way since their earlier albums, which were edgier and sounded more garage-rock, but this album fits more into the dream pop category. The EP includes five songs; it begins with a dreamy vibe that gets more complex as the songs progress; there is an underlying dreariness throughout its entirety. The storm has finally cleared in this album of realization; it’s truly a daze and is great to listen to while lying around your room on a rainy day or contemplating life.

There is a hint of romanticism in the songs, regardless of the darker thoughts, that keeps the album sounding optimistic. You can expect to hear the typical Dum Dum Girl’s dreamy guitars, slows drums, and heavy chorus, and all get you lost in your thoughts. Dee Dee’s voice is full of powerful conviction in this album and is paired perfectly with echoing guitars and melodic rhythms. “Lord Knows” acts as the climax to the album and is the most popular track by far, with good reason, too. The songs go through stages of melancholy, remorse, and end with a realization of moving on with a hopeful future. “Season in Hell” ends the “daze” just right; it acts as a hopeful outlook to the future, moving on from the darker days dealt with in the past. End of Daze is a salute to a band that’s figuring everything out, with cleaner and more developed lyrics, this album is sure to impress. And yes, dawn looks oh so divine, once you’ve heard the album.

 

Sound like: Vivian girls, the Raveonettes, Lovely Bad Things, Cults, The Vaselines

 

By: Nicole Whiteley

Red Hot Chili Peppers Live at the Key Arena

Donning my favorite geeky band shirt, sitting with an absolutely perfect view of the stage (with the exception of occasional obstructed perspective thanks to an intoxicated young gentleman who became fond of standing on top of his seat), I can only imagine my dumbfounded and flabbergasted face that drooled over the unbelievable brilliance that was unfolding in front of me. Experiencing a Red Hot Chili Peppers gig in my hometown of California at the Oakland Coliseum this past August, I was sure that the funkadelic love I felt in those two memorable hours would be unmatched by any other arena concert that I would ever experience. Yet there was something unusual and surreal about seeing another show on the I’m With You: World Tour in Seattle’s Key Arena.

From their opening radio-hit song “Monarchy of Roses” to the goose bump-inflicting note of their oldie, “Give It Away,” the band oozed antics, verve, and artistry. Considering that each member of the band is 50 years of age or older, their amount of drive and dynamism was unreal. The exception to this age group, new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, in my opinion, is an excellent addition to the band that has replaced former RHCP guitarist John Frusciante. The highlight of the show was the traditional soulful jam between Flea and Klinghoffer to introduce the crowd pleaser hit “Otherside,” in which the two gods faced each other and displayed their evident musical connection that saturated and quieted the mood of the arena.  I swear I could be blissful and satisfied watching an entire two-hour set of the Peppers just jamming. Another impressive aspect of the show was all the visual, graphic, and light show designs, which contributed to an overall cohesive experience that glued you to every infinitesimal detail, and most importantly, amplified the music experience in its entirety.

- Chloe Traynor

KSUB