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Publication: emotionalpunk.com
Title: Meg & Dia: Something Real CD Review
Author: Alex Drumm
Rating: 7.0/10.0
Original URL: http://www.emotionalpunk.com/cdreview/484/
To me, Doghouse Records has always been a label that is, for the most part, consistently churning out great artists and solid releases. Say Anything, The Honorary Title, even the All American Rejects started out on this Toledo based indie label. But as these bands begin to take off, this leaves openings for the up and coming artists. Enter: Meg & Dia. Two sisters who write delicate indie rock that could find its own niche on pop radio. Smooth, beautiful vocals and driving melodies could really bring these girls and their band to the top with their debut on Doghouse Records titled, “Something Real.” Despite the fact the album has a tendency to drag, there is no doubt that with the right push, this group will sell a ton of records.
Beginning with a very strong and powerful “Monster,” the duel vocals of both Meg and Dia show that this is a vocally driven group. But when the group is named after the singers, what would you expect? However, behind these vocals are enough crunchy guitars and steadfast drums to keep the song from becoming boring. For the most part, that is the recipe for the first half of the disc. “Roses” and “Tell Mary” are full of flowing vocal melodies and solid instrumentation. However, “Indiana” brings on a little more of an edgy sound for a group who sounds a whole lot like Eisley or Tegan and Sara. Written about the book “Indiana” by George Sand, the song has almost a Riot Grrl feel to it. But at the same time, teenagers could be jumping and singing along with this song with out knowing what it is really about. I suppose that is a good thing if you are trying to transcend that indie world for the pop world.
The middle of the disc tends to get extremely slow and rather predictable. For those who buy the disk, just skip the song, “Masterpiece.” Every aspect of the song is predictable and extremely boring. “Nineteen Stars” felt the same and even the key change at the end of the song couldn’t save it. I feared that the front half of the disc was all the band has to offer.
But my prayers were answered when the obscure “Cardigan Weather” came on. Less traditional instrumentation, and off-kilter melodies really brought this song to life. Of course the vocals are spot-on and the acoustic guitar really brought my hopes up for a strong end to the album. After “Getaways Turned Holidays” and “Courage, Robert” passed without raising any eyebrows, “Setting Up Sunday” come on and left me simply floating as the music faded out. Though the song was not amazing, it was a solid closer and left me wanting to listen to the disc again.
While it is true that there are no real musical barriers being broken down with this release, it is still one that is extremely pleasing to the ear. These sisters are poised for great things and, honestly, this has real potential to push to pop radio. If you are a fan of Eisley, Paramore or Tegan and Sara, you should definitely pick this up. |
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