The newest release from the Boston’s Dear Leader proves that there truly is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. The songwriting and honest vocal style of DL’s Aaron Perrino has been a warm wind in the indie music world for years. His beginnings with The Sheila Divine, their powerful sensitivity, and huge musical scope, paved a solid roadway for the genius of Dear Leader. Stay Epic is a work that is refreshing, heartfelt and honest. The production of Paul Kolderie and Adam Taylor is pure platinum making the musical foundation built by Paul Buckley, Jon Sulkow, and Will Claflin truly memorable.
The first tune, “Rust Belt Ballad," comes out of the gate with grand scale and momentum as Perrino’s vocals stroll along proudly without effort. Following a strong start, a powerful wave of music carries this hook-layered piece forward through a field of wonder. “The Blue Print” is wisely built and executed beautifully. This song is all heart. As the lyrics flow, you are launched into a powerful chorus of truthful epic scale. A first listen, you are hit with a lightning bolt of memorable sound. After a warm start, you are captured by the honesty of “Barbarians” in each jab of Perrino’s vocal tone. Another stunning chorus and luscious coat of smooth emotion is evident in this slice of song writing excellence.
“Empires” is truthful, sensitive and haunting. Its mystical tone carries the vocal slowly through a galaxy of sound but never loses its way. The symphonic guitar and intelligent playing bring the underlying drama clearly to the forefront. “Shimmer” has a quality that visits the glory days of Johnny Marr textures and curtains of tasteful string layers. Hooky, pop power never loses its focus or elegance as it pulls you in to satisfy. A favorite on this release, “The Wayside” is a gracious sample of how effortlessly DL can deliver a symphony of sound and emotion. A future gem for new listeners, the addition of Ian Kennedy’s string arrangement makes this the recipe for class and classic.
Sliding down the scale of emotion, “Heart Hangs Low” enters with a note of tears and sorrow. Sadness drips from every word as subtle piano strikes are complimented wonderfully by a carpet of pedal steel provided by the master, Doug Pettibone, current guitarist for Lucinda Williams. His warmth makes Perrino’s heart open and vulnerable. We ramp up as an injection of octane and pure volume come full throttle with the stunning “Indifference in the age of decline." Perrino shouts his anthem message of observation and frustration which such conviction you need to raise your voice and join his attack. This heart pumping classic trip of intensity and feeling is a rock and roll masterpiece.
Another dance of drama and wonder, “The Napoleon Complex” proves that these men have perfected the mix of power, emotion and dynamics. Like “Wayside” it shows their control of the heart and how to use it wisely. As the proper album of tracks come to an end, “Young Gods” takes us on a spacious trip that truly puts the word “epic” into the albums title. A smart piece of production and creativity, it serves as a perfect conclusion for this collection of work. As a bonus, Perrino added acoustic versions of “Rust Belt Ballad," “Barbarians," “Empires” and “The Wayside" to finish of an already wonderful recording. With this addition, Perrino proves how each song can hold strong in its purest form, a singer with his guitar. This wonderful collection of music is deserving of the same badge adorned by epic classics. Stay Epic Indeed.
"Stay Epic" is on sale September 2, 2009 from Lunch.
