Dipper - dipper

Dipper

Dipper
self-released; 2013

4.0 out of 5

By Ethan Skeleton

Dipper comes across as ambient piano meets dirty alternative. The guitar and drums are displayed in raw production, instrumental integrity transferred through a varied genre blend.  The songs don’t necessitate rudimentary rhythms but the drums push the boundaries of overplaying nonetheless. Some mistakes are intact in the recording, which is something only seasoned players would notice, but it’s all hand-in-hand with the notion to let be what will be. Dipper isn’t concerned with perfection; they just want to be heard.

Daring guitar work and intricate drums push every track along with wonky allure on their self-titled EP Dipper. Fisher and Snook’s vocals mix well; both complimenting their upper voiced lines.

Some have labeled this group as Afro-Cuban. It’s a stretch of a comparison considering there are only a few moments that follow the technique or sounds of swinging Latin music. There’s distinct enough influence there, but it’s more laying percussion and short pattern phrasing on the guitars. This trait acts as the band’s X factor, but it’s not as if that’s completely necessary for eclectically infused indie rocker Latinos.

Dipper is straight out of the Jheri Curl days with that distinct padded synth but the band knows when to keep the classicism of natural piano and when to harness the effects section. Several songs boast lovely piano melodies that take you right into a recital hall. The beginning of “What Are We Waiting For” has a beautiful pairing between vocals and keys; it sets the mood like an epic 80’s movie title sequence. “Stand My Ground” plays around with a Red Hot Chili Peppers feel the way the hats are moving yet it distracts a touch from the gliding steadiness of the guitar. The album moves from introspective to happy-go-lucky especially on “In The End.” It’s almost like Wilco on Zoloft.

There’s sentiment in the way this albums plays. As the tracks unfold the songs reinforce their counterparts and one can really hear things as one unit. It’s a memorable work when an album can be so diverse and yet hold a cohesive feeling throughout. So what we have here is a band from Houston that takes itself seriously. They’ve put in hard rock and taken risks on the stage, gaining experience along the way. I’d expect to hear more from this group soon.

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