With many two-piece rock bands (The White Stripes, Matt & Kim, The Like Young, etc…) there are limitations when serious overdubbing isn’t involved. But with basically only overdriven keyboards and steady propulsive drumming, Slingshot Dakota manages to create a racket that seems worlds larger than the sum of its parts. Slingshot Dakota is a duo comprised of Carly Comando and Tom Patterson on keyboards and drums, respectively and their second self-released full-length (their first as only a duo) Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours Is The Golden Ghost! is really fucking good. It is full of stripped-down punk-influenced indie-pop that is deceptively simple. Keyboards + drums + vocals = done.
While the guitars from Slingshot Dakota’s debut (from Jeff Cunningham of Bridge and Tunnel) are noticeably missing from …The Golden Ghost, their absence may (in fact) have brought these songs into sharper focus. The lyrics are uplifting and Comando’s vocals heartfelt; they are forcefully sung without being shouted and melodic without being saccharine. The album feels loose and comfortable like a worn-in pair of blue jeans. The bright keyboard tones are warm and inviting and sound like a sunny weekday afternoon wasted away while Patterson pounds his kit like he’s in a hardcore band. The production is minimal and keeps a slightly rough edge that (as the lyrics do) perfectly conveys the spirit of restless days on the road and exuberant nights in between.
Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours Is The Golden Ghost is solid throughout with the title track (featuring guest vocals from Latterman’s Matt Canino) taking top honors. A refreshingly simple and fun album that more than makes up with passion what it lacks in overall dynamics. RIYL: Lemuria, Latterman, The Unlovables, etc…
MP3 | Slingshot Dakota – The Golden Ghost …The Golden Ghost
MP3 | Slingshot Dakota – Until The Day I Die …The Golden Ghost
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i really dug this record too…good stuff