Introducing: Dial-Up
Local group Dial-Up have a few things going for them. One is that they boast some built in local capacity from band members other groups (Crimes, Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps, etc), which always helps new groups in their quest to reach wider audiences. The other is that they recorded their debut LP, Landline, at the famed Dub Narcotics studio in Olympia, Washington. The studio, owned by Calvin Johnson of K Records fame, has housed many bands on their road to stardom in the past, so it is quite the coup d’etat. The reality is that Landline probably wouldn’t have needed those two advantages to succeed, as it is a well crafted LP that stands on its own two feet. The 12 songs on Landline are occasionally funky, almost always quirky, slightly angular electronic pop songs. From the bubbling, hand-clapped chorus and rich synth bass melodies of “Designer Homes” to the stuttering drums and distorted vocals of “Biit,” the album veers from off kilter to sugary sweet at multiple points. Album opener “So Stiff” sounds like Menomena, who share(d) the bands affinity for throwing a wrench in to an otherwise polished pop song just for kicks. The record is just polished enough for mass consumption and just scuffed up enough to not drive someone like me crazy. The band are celebrating the release of the record with two release shows Saturday night, with the first an all ages show at the Loring Pasta Bar with Calvin Johnson and the Hive Dwellers and Orchard Thief followed by a 21+ show at the Kitty Cat Klub with Phantom Tails, Buffalo Moon and Slapping Purses. Grab the record at one of the shows or from the groups Bandcamp page.
Writer / co-founder
