Slingshot Dakota - Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours Is The Golden Ghost
Released January 22nd, 2008
Self-Released
I want to be able to write a review that transcends, that awakens, that persuades. I want to be able to eloquently speak my praises and pass my judgments in a way that actually matters. To reel a reader in with my alluring alliteration. To reign over a proverbial power struggle between words and phrases, sneering and jubilation, resonance and aesthetics. To do this so well that the reader laughs, cries, cums, rereads and relearns why they're sitting wherever in the world they are and what they plan on doing in response to a candid, three-paragraph glorification or disintegration of, quite simply, a band -- an album -- a song. To get straight to the point, I want them to feel similarly to how Slingshot Dakota makes me bleed. A scene of colorful colors under a sunny sun and pearlescent clouds hemorrhage from Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours Is The Golden Ghost that is so beautifully adolescent, so kitty-kitty cat.
Unassuming and timeless. Striking in their simplicity, but such in a way that avoids vapidity and ambivalence, Slingshot Dakota is a duo that makes duos exciting again. While the guitar is noticeably absent in the band’s sophomore album (done on debut Keener Sighs by Bridge and Tunnel’s Jeff Cunningham), the ten drum and keyboard duets strut-and-shout as if Carly Comando and Tom Patterson, respectively, have been working with this setup from the very beginning. Comando’s hollering confidence throughout more than makes up for the lack of strings alone; vocally building and building the tension in each gliding chorus until her nimble navigations on the keys and Patterson’s vehement percussion breaks the escalation with a near perfected intertwining of joy and restlessness.
In perhaps an attempt to cling to the unpolished power in the underground, basement show scene that they’re very much a part of (noted friends with DIY luminaries Street Smart Cyclist, Peter&Craig, etc) the production is lacking. Normally this is far from a problem with me, but Their Dreams…as a whole could benefit from the keyboards sounding a little less flat. This might come to be noticed only by some, but single-worthy “The Golden Ghost” throws such cares out the window, however, opening the album up with only the most upbeat piece of pop and passion. Latterman’s Matt Canino guest vocals, making the best chorus on the album a truly memorable one. "Because we'll never be what you want us to be/We'll never leave all this behind/Because we'll never be what you want us to be/And it's alright/And it's alright" Although few other songs on the album touch the greatness of "The Golden Ghost", they remain consistently good. Standouts include the splashy "Ohio!" and the briskly awry "Wave".
I want to be able to make music that leaves a wake, that lifts spirits, that people remember. I want to be able to ardently craft melody and motion in a way that chips away at the masses' embrace of the trite and threadbare. Well, I can't do all this at this point, sadly, so I took up the business of writing about bands I see doing their part (or not). Slingshot Dakota is one such band. Scouring the country, playing great music wherever someone is there to listen -- all with a smile. Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours Is The Golden Ghost may be the first day of someone's life. It may be the flavor of the fucking week. It may only reach their already established circle of fans. But, however it turns out, it's comforting to know Slingshot won't ebb in their lightheartedness. Because, goddammit, in this burgeoning apocalypse culture, I need a Carly Comando singing sweet somethings in my ear.
I've known Tom for many years and this is some of his best stuff. They're looking for support with setting up a cross country tour. They haven't been out west yet, mainly stay east but they're finally going to do it. IF anyone can help em out with shows, contact them on myspace. If you think they're good now wait to you see them live, you won't believe the type of energy they bring and you won't be disappointed.
saw them last night at Two Piece Fest. fucking incredible, I was broke, but as soon as I can save up, i'm buying this record. The energy put into their show blew my fucking mind.
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