Artist: Slingshot Dakota

Album: Keener Sighs

Label: Immigrant Sun Records

Tracks: 10

Length: 34:26

                  Reviewed By: Justin Brinker

It has been a while since I have heard a band doing something creatively different from the rest of the pack in independent rock. The resurgence of a keyboard in a band has led to hundreds of The Get Up Kids and The Anniversary watered down imitators.  Not the case for Slingshot Dakota who do use a keyboard but opt to go more in the vein of Ben Folds Five in their piano laden songs rather than Reggie and The Full Effect. 

“Keener Sighs” is a beautiful album.  It is beautiful but not boring.  It is catchy but not gimmicky.  It has certain warmth that pulls the listener in from the opening “Lost Notes and Seared Hopes” to the closing “Don’t Forget To Stretch First.”  The dual vocals of Carly Commando and Jeff Cunningham demand your attention throughout “Keener Sighs” and manage to keep it.

 

“A Glance Backwards and Forwards” is an up tempo track in the vein of The Sundays with Commando and Cunningham trading off vocally before harmonizing on the choruses, while the piano and acoustic guitar set the backdrop.  “It Wouldn’t Be” opens with just the piano before the drums and Commando come in setting the stage for an enormous hook that has you singing along long before the song ends.  “I’ll Leave the Toasts to the Bartender” is a simple acoustic driven track with just Cunningham and his guitar.  “Best Friend” is where Commando really shines musically and vocally while “Application for Our Lucky Day” is a playful track that finds Cunningham shouting, “Sing me country songs.”

 

It is nice to see a change from the world of distorted guitars and screaming vocals. It is even better that they have made a really great record that has substance and talent. I just hope “Keener Sighs” doesn’t get lost amidst the sub par material that continues to plague the music scene.