Described by the band as "an organic album to clear the haze," their latest album titled, Pixelated Haze, showcases their versatility as a band, blending genres with ease. They are so adept at this that they have produced an increasingly rare musical experience that is compelling enough to hold the attention of the distracted music listener for an entire album.
After the first of five Mr. Rogers television interludes interspersed among the tracklist introduces the album, we get the thesis statement and title track of the record. The song features the most straightforward folk arrangement and gentle lyrics like, "Face to face/No more pixelated haze for me/Back for more/I don't want to be back for more of their chase/I want to see the sun/Lighting up your face/I want to feel your heart/In a warm embrace/I want to hear the birds singing/I want to hear the bells ringing/I just want to be." This track pairs a catchy pop melody with a mid-tempo folk rhythm. The shuffle percussion, vibrant violin interjections, and piano flourishes create a perfect foundation for the siblings' tight vocal harmonies.
"Boomerang" has a breezy vibe not unlike band half*alive's recent songs. This sets the tone for an album that delights in juxtaposing style-shifting effortlessly between modern pop sensibilities and rustic violin embellishments. The result is a sound that feels like wide open spaces and is therefore immediately and enduringly engaging. "You Are My Sweater" is a dead ringer for the modern pop/rock that Twenty One Pilots represents, complete with a catchy melody and falsetto chorus. I could picture rollerblading to this tune during the late summer, or early autumn. Another highlight is the down-tempo "Waiting for the Sunlight," sounding like a cloudy day with a swirling violin communicating a wistful longing for the sun perfectly.
Additionally, "Treetop Dream" is a particular standout, with its anthemic chorus and the ear-grabbing ending which builds the surf rock vibe to its highest heights instrumentally and features strong violin stabs in the song's last thirty seconds. This was the first song that drew my attention to the band and is easily my favorite of the album, as well as on my short list of songs of the year. Lastly of note are the Oasis-drenched "Midnight Sun," which sounds ripped straight from their heyday in the 90s, and "Let the Music Inside" featuring a 70s R&B sonic palate akin to Stevie Wonder. All in all, the way Dawson Hollow interweaves these diverse styles while maintaining a cohesive sound speaks to their maturity as songwriters.
Dawson Hollow has a knack for crafting infectious pop hooks, yet they never stray too far from their roots, always bringing a touch of their signature folk flair. The instrumental arrangements remain richly textured, and the layered vocal harmonies create a lush backdrop that invites the listener to delve deeper into the music's many nuances.
Overall, Pixelated Haze is a vibrant collection of songs that defies easy categorization. Dawson Hollow has managed to produce an album that feels eclectic yet unified, rooted in a love for both pop and folk traditions. This is no doubt due to the wide-ranging musical influences of each member. With thoughtful lyrics, engaging arrangements, and fearless genre-blending, the album stands as a testament to the band's creativity and artistry. Fans of pop music who appreciate a touch of Americana/Folk will find much to love in Pixelated Haze. It's an album that invites repeat listening, each time revealing new layers and connections, making it a must-hear for those seeking something both familiar and refreshingly original. I love it when a band pops up and surprises me with an album like Pixelated Haze, and I cannot recommend it enough.
- Review date: 10/10/24, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Record Label: None
Album length: 15 tracks: 39 minutes, 41 seconds
Street Date: September 16, 2024
Buy It: Bandcamp
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