Oh how I love Boston's Doug Tuttle. His brand of Jangle Psych Pop is really affecting, at times almost Canterbury light. Burger Records release his fourth album and although pleasing to report that there is no major change in direction, it does feel as though the Pop is Poppier.
You can read the IDHAS review of his last album, Peace Potato here. That album was a tad fragmented, some songs not fully formed, none of that applies to Dream Road. The focus is spot on, probably aided by the tighter ten song playlist.
Tuttle is a one man soundscape, the gentleness and laid back Vocals, adding to the laid back feel. There is that tendency to Jangle which allows comparisons with The Byrds and Teenage Fanclub's quieter mode. But the influences are really further spread.
There are Country Tinges, the odd Tyrannosaurus Rex feel, even a Stealers Wheel vibe, but largely this sounds more like a traditional West Coast American album. Albeit, there's a real gentleness and tone to the proceedings.
Is This World Alone is a perfect example of what Tuttle does so well, it reminds you of so many, but is essentially him. The arrangement on Can You Feel It is achingly melancholic and All Alone is fantastically sleepy more modern Psych Pop.
Opener, I'll Throw It All Away is Nashville Pop from a bygone age, it has a splendid hook. It is Long Day To Your Home that grabbed me most with its sonic overtones to The Outlaws without the bombast. Dream Road is a superb "relax and listen" offering. An ideal way to spend 30 minutes away from the madness.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
....
No comments:
Post a Comment