Austin-based band The Dialtones immerse across their new EP, Static Sky — unveiling a sound that captivates in its dynamic rock pull and personal lyrical insight. The project’s songwriter, Lauren Gurgiolo, draws from experience with bipolar 1 disorder, and particularly within the experience of a psychotic manic episode, which lasted over a year. “I can’t help but write about it. The experience is so mind-boggling and traumatic that I need the music to help process the experience,” says Gurgiolo, who has also been a part of the bands Okkervil River (2007 – 2015), The Octopus Project (2015 – 2018), and Erika Wennerstrom / The Heartless Bastards (2018 – 2021).
Opening track “Naming no Names” wastes no time in showcasing the band’s knack for stylish momentum. A bustling bass line and delectably eerie synths complement a melodic vocal drive from Mad Whitaker, escalating past the one-minute turn into a sweltering scream and ensuing free-flowing guitar twanginess — which infuses seamlessly within the synth touches. A title-touting refrain builds into a final guitar-led send-off, fully satiating. The ensuing “Love to Live” also excels in its dynamic tonal range, reminding enjoyably of Wolf Alice in the ascent from debonair vocals into a pulsing “touched my small heart,” hookiness.
Another highlight, “Risa” brings forth the frantic guitar work right away. “Only at night, hidden with grace,” Whitaker’s vocals intrigue, furthering that nocturnal appeal with jumpy guitars and mid-point twinkling; this middle section dazzles in its lovely experimentation, melding prog-rock ferocity within a dreamy layering. Static Sky is a thoroughly gripping display of intelligent, melodic songwriting from The Dialtones.
—
“Naming no Names” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
