Dawes’s Oh Brother marks a striking new chapter for the band, now helmed solely by brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith following the departure of longtime bandmates Wylie Gelber and Lee Pardini in 2023. Their ninth album is a testament to reinvention, scaling down to a duo while delivering a sound that feels anything but sparse. Recorded live in the studio with just guitar, drums, and vocals, the record brims with raw energy and unpolished charm, giving listeners a front-row seat to the siblings’ dynamic musical interplay.
From the opening snare crack of “Mister Los Angeles,” Oh Brother dives headfirst into sharp, electric grooves and biting observations. Taylor’s wiry, expressive guitar and Griffin’s inventive percussion provide a rich foundation for songs like “Front Row Seat,” a swaggering anthem that blends Led Zeppelin-style bravado with sardonic reflections on modern chaos. Taylor’s lyrics are as incisive as ever, pairing darkly humorous vignettes with evocative imagery that captures the tension of living through uncertain times.
The album oscillates between razor-sharp critiques and tender introspection. Tracks like “King of the Never-Wills” and “Hilarity Ensues” unfold as cautionary tales about self-deception and societal façades, while “Enough Already” offers a compassionate ode to those navigating life’s gray areas. Meanwhile, “House Parties” injects a dose of sunny escapism, celebrating small joys like local bands, retro video games, and impromptu gatherings—nostalgic comforts amidst an ever-changing world.
Taylor’s growth as a guitarist shines throughout, his playing drawing comparisons to the emotive tones of Robbie Robertson and the unfiltered grit of Jack White. Griffin’s drumming is equally inventive, his rhythms ranging from minimalist hi-hat grooves to unconventional textures that sound like they’re played on a suitcase. Together, the brothers craft a sound that feels intimate yet expansive, raw yet surprisingly full-bodied.
At its core, Oh Brother is both a celebration of Dawes’s roots and a bold exploration of what comes next. Stripped down but never stripped back, the album showcases the Goldsmith brothers’ deep connection and their ability to craft songs that resonate with humor, heart, and humanity. It’s a soundtrack for the contradictions of modern life, a reminder that even in moments of uncertainty, music can cut through the noise and bring us closer to something true. – Jason Felton