Zounds, the third full-length release from Australia’s Dappled Cities was not only pleasurable, but also, almost flawless in texture, style and quirky emotionalism. “Hold Your Back” races down a steep hill with an uncertain outcome, but soon leads to a broad landscape with an incredible texture. As the vocals begin, they cascade downward in a sad, desperate tone quickly transforming into incredibly haunting and comforting at the same time. The track took shape in my mind as a vivid scene from a dramatic foreign film. “Answer Is Zero” changes lanes with its dark, breathy changes but remains within the reaches of my love for velvet and synth-pop. The song pulls you along and quickly covers you in comfort in less than four minutes.
The hard pulse beginning of “The Price” tricks you into thinking you are in store for a loud punk change of scenery, but again this band lays it on thick and keeps it cinematic. As the track plays, it expands into a wonderful listening experience filled with warmth and lush sounds needed to caress every ear. “Wooden Ships” takes shape slowly through a consistent drum pattern and builds simple lines less dramatic than the tracks before, but I cannot deny its magnetism. It kept me interested enough, yet again, to listen through carefully. Unfortunately, “Slow for Me, My Island” did not hold my attention as tightly as it should have as it’s repetitive cuteness seemed to just be filler of a hole. It’s tight pop could cause anyone’s feet to start tapping, but it seemed to be rushed in the midst of so much flavor. I was quickly slapped back on my feet with the entrance of the emotional fervor of “The Night Is Young At Heart”. Full of change, angst and proclamation, this track turned the temperature up a few degrees to keep you wanting more and wondering what is next. “Miniature Alas” keeps the momentum going after a quirky, but interesting introduction. By the end of this track you are wondering how you were taken on this ride so quickly and with so much force.
Unfortunately, the ghoulish and creepy “Don’t Stop There”, has its stunning moments, but fails on the path to interesting. When you think it is just beginning to climb higher, it stops for an undeserved rest. As seems to be this band’s unique quality, the tracks “Kid” and “Middle People” get back on the road with thick textures and thumping pop all while taking you on a dramatic and brilliant roller coaster. “Apart” begins the conclusion of this album of work with intelligent and spacious sound that takes your mind for one last walk through a field of memories and emotions. Keeping a dark, forbidding tone, a slow climb pounds on your heart and immediately claims it’s position as a future classic. From a thoughtful spying lover’s guitar down to it’s affected vocal brilliance, this song prays on the listener’s desires over and over. The finale, “Stepshadows”, follows with a last, seductive sigh that makes you grateful of your album choice. It’s first few notes descend on your ears like a warm blanket.
Dappled Cities has given us a subtle masterpiece filled with a lifetime of sonic surprises. It is overwhelming but yet, wonderfully warm and inviting. It smiles at the past and lusts for the future. Thick with textures and electricity, this album starts off with an infectious bang and ends with a generous supply of joy for the listener. Zounds is a future classic and an inspirational body of work for generations to come.
"Zounds" is on sale September 15, 2009 from Dangerbird.
