Album review: The Dead Coats set to drop rocking album Big Wish Saturday
Austin rockers, The Dead Coats made a rocking full-length album slated to drop Saturday on all platforms. The band tracked the 10-song album, BIG WISH (Dissent Records) in two days utilizing analog equipment and forgoing click tracks in favor of a more natural sound. The analog production and live recording The Dead Coats employed was a nod to rock albums of the past.
The record was produced by prolific Austin-based studio owner, Frenchie Smith (The Meat Puppets, Dandy Warhols) at his Bubble Recording Studio.
Lead vocalist, Lorin Warner adds, “We felt that a lot of tracks in present times can feel stagnant with using a click-track. Tempo changes are natural, and essential to the spirit of rock n roll. BIG WISH, features this spirit with an assorted amount of songs in mixed-genres.“
The result is a really great rock n roll album featuring Warner’s wailing but nimble vocal delivery along with drummer, Ren Fletcher and bassist, Joe Osteen deftly handling the rhythm work while lead guitarist, Joshua Jones adds the kind of riffs that get listeners riled up in a good way. This is a tight, solid rock band that defies the music media’s claim that guitar rock is dead. It’s not even a question to ponder as we waded into the album with a certain amount of excited anticipation.
Opening track, “Fire Again” possesses a driving beat, glam rock vocals by Warner who really knows how to wail without sounding forced. Her vocal ability is highlighted throughout the recording. The band is tight, powerful and clearly know who they are musically. They have the type of self-awareness that is rare for a young band. Tomorrow’s release is their third full-length album.
Track two, “Forsake My Name” was the band’s first single from the new record. The nearly 80’s-era sound on the track is balanced by guitars (not synths) to give the tune a healthy dose of nostalgia but the kind in which listeners raise their eyebrows at how easily it appeared The Dead Coats co-opted the style, then made it their own. The band is self-described as a rock n roll band with garage rock injected into their veins. They’re not wrong.
We really enjoyed the song, “OPF” which has a classic punk vibe, leading off (pun intended) with loud, distorted guitars. Warner’s insistent vocal delivery combined with the classic riffs produced shades of UK punk a la X-Ray Specs. In fact, it’s a bit startling how similar Warner’s vocal styling on this track sounds so similar to the Specs’ Poly Styrene.
Catch The Dead Coats at Far Out Lounge on April 10 to celebrate Warner’s birthday with a great lineup including, The Boley’s, Cowboy Diplomacy and Maryjane brought to you by Dissent Records. Tickets can be purchased in advance here. The band is also scheduled for a sold-out album release show with Ringo Deathstarr on Saturday at Empire Garage.
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