Dinosoul - Tree Star

Dinosoul

Tree Star
self-released; 2016

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen
​

Carolyn Hilliard (key/vocals), Donny Donovan (guitar/vocals), Steve Hilliard (guitar) and Aiden Angle (drums) are Dinosoul. The band released a three-song EP entitled Tree Star. Tree Star gives us a sample of the band's sound which combines elements of shoe gaze and post-punk under a veil of dark Goth. I was reminded of the band The xx and to a lesser extent Portishead and The Cure. 

The production while a bit better sounding than a demo doesn't quite hit the song's potential. There were times where the abundance of reverb on pretty much everything created less separation and the low end could have used a boost. That being said these are minor quibbles and obviously subjective.

They start with “Dimension” which establishes the band’s sound. Dark energy emanating from the tones and textures is an integral part of the song  The song creeps up your spine while being simultaneously melodic and dark. It takes a while but the song, rather than simply being dynamic on a moment’s notice, feels like it expands slowly. The song surrounds you. Not bad. Lyrically the song is nothing if on the darker side of metaphysical. He sings, “I am thought, wanting peace, always lost in between / The only need, I want to leave / Never home, all alone.

Up next is “No Way.” The song has more kinetic energy. In fact there were times that the song goes into post-rock territory. For what the song lacks in hooks and melody it makes up for in texture. They close with “I still hear you call.” The song has the most memorable vocal melody. That being said the song is like one long build that just leads to the end of the song. I have to admit I wanted to song to keep going into a more expansive part.

​Dinosoul still has a lot to prove but seems to be on a good path. They established a sound which I was quite fond of but I’d like to hear them flesh out some of their ideas and not be afraid to experiment. Overall, a good start and keep your ears on them.

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