Dawes showed much promise on their first two albums of soulful Americana before veering into a diffused mode that incorporated more soul and pop elements on 2013’s Stories Don’t End.
That sound continues to dominate this new album, even more so at times, with a distinct Hall & Oates MOR vibe. Somewhere Along The Way is an early highlight with touches of Wilco-esque guitar, Right On Time benefits from a (slightly) rougher sound and Waiting For Your Call generates the most genuine emotion, but too often Taylor Goldsmith’s lyrics tread clichéd waters navigating yacht rock.
