Dios – “We Are Dios”
Dios
“We Are Dios”
Buddyhead
Editors note: We normally don’t review our own records, it’s just kinda tacky. But every now and then we break a rule and this time around we happened to get sent this review below by one of our readers and we liked it so much that we couldn’t let it go unpublished. The following review was written by John Montgomery. “We Are Dios” is Buddyhead #31 and comes out on Feburary 16th, 2010. Pre-order it from Amazon by clicking here. In celebration of it we’re throwing a Free show at the troubadour with Signals (Ex Mae Shi) and The Henry Clay People, Jimi Hey (All Night Radio/Beachwood Sparks) will be DJing in between the bands to keep the party alive! We Hope to see you all there.
So, the new album by LA quartet Dios, We Are Dios, landed in my stereo. I pushed play and was immediately dosed. Visions of my past acid trips in San Fran injected that old lysergic bliss back into my system. As most bands in LA lack the ability to inspire new perspectives, I was shocked to feel I was suddenly floating over my own head. The first strains of album opener “Epileptic Tunnel Visions” hinted that this is a band aiming at baring its soul. Plus it’s a ballsy move to infuse hand drums and spacey moods in that all important, “first track.” And then when I thought I had the band pegged, crashing guitars came raining down on me like a sudden summer cloud burst. Cool and refreshing.
Dynamics. Now you got my attention, boys.
Dios coaxed me into a space somewhere between Hendrix’s Electric Lady Land and the drugged out, fun sounds of The Butthole Surfers. They manage to not sound like either though, but also add a dark, Brian Wilson style vocal element. Singer Joel Morales does a great job of making you feel comfortable, He soothes with catchy melodies and his high voice, but sounds more like a man, rather than a teenaged beach boy. The sounds, electric or acoustic, are organic. There’s even some real phase shifting that makes me think this was recorded on tape (a big plus in these days of Pro Tools trickery). Damn, these boys made a real record!
This album can live in two places…your stereo and your head. We Are Dios makes you slow down and live with the music via active listening…or by echoing in your memory. You may even be able to have choice in the matter…then again, maybe not. Me? I found myself leaving the house with the sounds resonating in my head. And I was put in a good mood too…
But what exactly makes this album pertinent to or lives? Well, for those of you out there who are looking to get laid, this record is your ticket. It will especially work well late night, or for those of you wanting to intrigue some young innocent into feeling you’re gonna take them to some new place…sexually. Flat out, this record is great for getting naked and feeling free. It’s especially great if you’re into drinking, smoking…and fucking. You can get all intellectual if you want, but rock is still supposed to be about primal forces first and foremost! Save my soul later!
Put this disc on and try to keep that hot love action going for the album’s entirety. If you do this, I can almost guarantee you that your object of desire will want to comeback. And if you can last as long as “Stare at the Wheel,” the mid way point of the album, you’re probably golden! It hits after a good 20 minute sonic build up, and allows for a spirited down-stroke, if you know what I mean. We Are Dios can work better for bonin’ than a Serge Gainsberg record. I really dug John Paul Caballero’s bass grooves on this track. Nice smoldering enticements.
We’re then brought into “Tel Mi Theen,” which comes in with perfect timing to let your sweet-young-thang know that you’re sincere. Nice sensitivity without getting all emo. The guitars match the playful vocals, taking the pressure down. Keyboardist Edwin Kampwirth shines on the next track “Ay Don Wanu Meri Yu.” It starts off with some 70’s California sounding vibe, but slips into a space that reminds me of ? and the Mysterians, sans the flamboyance. This track also gets you off the hook for not calling your sweetie back the next day. Dios has got your back. Here’s a song that says” we’re adults…you can handle that, right?”
The rest of the album rounds itself out nicely with songs that hit with a solid sense of self-confidence. We hit some more darkness with “Don B Efrey Do Die.” This is probably the most comforting song about the demise of your mortal coil that you will ever hear, complete with simulated slow motion movements via effected vocals. The final track “Et Weel Fil Gud” makes me think at least one band member attended Catholic masses in life at some point. The easing background vocals slide you down, lower and lower. I liked the drums on the earlier tracks, but they are more upfront on the closer, thanks to Patrick Butterworth’s playing feel and overall vibe. He manages to provide the determination needed to make you feel alright with saying goodbye here. Add some surprise 808 sounds to this one, and you’ve got some definite magic. Maybe somebody went to a Baptist church with 1 or 2 members of N.W.A.?
I think music is best when it allows you to disconnect from reality completely, even if it eventually comes full circle and makes life seem more real than before. This separates truly great albums from the rest. Get this record. It fits perfectly on your shelf between Jeff Buckley’s “Grace” and The Beach Boys “Pet Sounds.” We Are Dios is a great record, ready, worthy and willing to stimulate your ears and mind.
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