FYM ON THE LIST: DAWES LIVE AT THE NEPTUNE THEATRE • SEATTLE WA, USA • 11/11/11

Continuing to ride high levels of critical and commercial success after their masterpiece summer release Nothing is Wrong- Dawes spent time in Seattle Friday night on a date that numerically comes once a century (11.11.11). Los Angeles brother/sister duo -The Belle Brigade started off the evening with an impressive set of fast-paced So Cal foot-thumping. 

Lead vocalists- Barbara (pictured above) and Ethan Gruska (pictured below) shared an incredible stage presence together. Their undeniable connection along with the help of a full backing band, made tracks off The Belle Brigade's self-titled debut album shimmer live. 

Their sound runs the spectrum featuring rocked-up/pop-country crossovers like Rusted Wheel and Belt of Orion -Along with all out free to be you and me anthems like Losers and Where Not to Look for Freedom. It was an incredible introduction to this promising new band -who did a fine job of setting a positive tone for the rest of our evening.

The other set of Los Angeles siblings  to play that night -Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes, were seen roaming around The Neptune Theatre before their performance. Dawes took stage a little after 9:45PM that evening -delivering another unforgettable live show in Seattle (FYM had the chance to see these guys earlier in year at The Moore Theatre).

Lead Vocalist/Guitarist Taylor Goldsmith continues to blow us away live with his unyielding passion/storytelling abilities. Playing off the college aged energy (predominately in the audience), the whole band seemed in good spirits- ripping through a choice selection of favorites.

Highlights of the night included Taylor Goldsmith turning his mic around to let the audience finish singing When My Time Comes, and Dawes riffing on a loose, rocked the fuck out version of Peace in the Valley (both off their untouchable 2009 debut North Hills).

Their 2011 release, Nothing is Wrong, is this Art Director's pick for Album of the Year. It's a rare treat to see a band like Dawes operating on such a high-level of exasperating talent live -Their classic sound, vivid storylines, and wise beyond their years musicianship created a perfect storm of sonic enlightenment. (Click the image above to expand detail)

Seattle is definitely no stranger to the organic rhythms of Portland based (Sup Pop band) Blitzen Trapper. They closed out the evening showcasing the very best of their September 2011 release American Goldwing. It was a perfect end to evening we soon won't forget. For bonus photos from the night of all three bands please visit forYoungModerns on Facebook HERE. Cheers, FYM.

FYM PREVIEW: DAWES LIVE AT THE NEPTUNE THEATRE • 11.11.11 • SEATTLE WA, USA

A week from today, Friday November 11th, 2011 -DAWES will be performing live at The Neptune Theatre (Seattle Washington USA) co-headlining with Blitzen Trapper (SubPop Records). This past June FYM had the pleasure of seeing Dawes live at The Moore Theatre -just a few days after the release of their second full-length masterpiece 'Nothing is Wrong' (an FYM Album of the Year contender). Below we feature our favorite photo we shot from that night of the Goldsmith Brothers -Taylor (lead singer/guitarist) and Griffin (vocalist/drums):

Over the past few months, Dawes has seen both (well-deserved) critical and commercial success from their latest record. They even gained peerless respect/opportunities to play with some of their heroes: Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Jackson Browne. VH1 recently showcased Dawes as their artist You Oughta Know in September -the exposure has made their single Time Spent in Los Angeles a mainstay on the VH1 Top 20 Music Video Countdown (currently at #9).Watch the featured video below:



The album itself- Nothing is Wrong, is a timeless rock n' roll record, full of fresh takes on warm, vintage sound. Lyrically, Taylor Goldsmith is an incredible storyteller -winding a cannery row of vivid tales, mixed emotions, and honest common-man fire into a boundless undeniably relatable album... We truly can't wait to hear these tunes live again. FYM hopes to see you next Friday in Seattle for Dawes/Blitzen Trapper at The Neptune Theatre, for ticket information click HERE. Cheers, FYM.

FYM ON THE LIST: DAWES, BRETT DENNEN- LIVE FROM THE MOORE THEATRE, SEATTLE USA

Tuesday, June 14th 2011, Seattle Washington USA- FYM found themselves inside the cozy Moore Theatre (our first time seeing a show at the historic venue), with Los Angeles California's Dawes opening a substantial evening of sonic endowment.

Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith (pictured above with brother Griffin in the background on drums) led an inspiring set Tuesday night, flaunting their latest jams (instant classics) off the bands remarkable new album Nothing Is Wrong.

Drummer Griffin Goldsmith impressed us with his passionate facial expressions, well-excuted play, and strong/steady lead vocal duties on the triumphantly upbeat champion How Far We've Come.

There is no question Taylor Goldsmith is a formidable storyteller/wordsmith. The new album- Nothing Is Wrong is an 11 track banquet of thoughtful perspective, crafting well-versed snapshots, host to a cannery row of classic influences.

Goldsmith's spirit live- draws out the magic behind his lyrics that much more. Painting pictures through melodies- leaving FYM almost in tears , he carried us through the bittersweet narrative of A Little Bit of Everything featuring the amazing line: I think that love is so much easier than you realize, If you can give yourself to someone, then you should.

(Click On All Horizontal Images To Expand For Greater Detail)

Dawes as a band, evokes the warm resonance of The Band, the artful harmonies of CSNY, with the honesty of Springsteen. It was a privilege seeing this band live early into an assuredly long journey on the road in support of their sophomore release Nothing Is Wrong. 

It's also worth mentioning that Dawes can play well even under the strange circumstances (their gear happened to be in a different city that night) having to use main act- Brett Dennen's instruments the entire set. Our only dismay was the absence of My Way Back Home from their setlist (our favorite track off the new album). But shimmering renditions of Coming Back to a Man, Moon in the Water, Time Spent in Los Angeles, and their most notable hit off their first album- When My Time Comes, aided in the well-deserved standing ovation the band was given by the crowd after their incredible set.

Fellow Californian, and all around peaceful soul- Brett Dennen over the years has continually impressed us with his amazing perspectives on life, as found in our favorite tune of his Heaven (is there home for the homeless, is there hope for the hopeless).

As soon as he took stage, Dennen and his solid backing band, projected kinetic joyful vibes, perfectly balanced by his sui generis vocal prowess. Unlike another singer/songwriter (Ryan Adams) we've seen live in a theatre setting, Dennen embraced his audience, urging them to stand up out of their seats and have a goodtime!

Dennen's signature hip-shaking stage presence live is infectious. Fans in the crowd ran the entire age spectrum, (kids, teens, parents, grandparents) filled the aisles of the Moore dancing to his summer-ready grooves.

Check out his latest release Loverboy HERE. Dawes and Brett Dennen finish out their tour together in Oakland California at the end of this month, for full dates click HERE. This is a must see tour for lovers of good music and refreshing, inspiring takes on life. Cheers, FYM.

Thoughts. Graphics. Photos. J Thomas Codling. 

FYM PRESS PLAY: DAWES, NOTHING IS WRONG

On a sunny afternoon in Seattle FYM is listening to the Los Angeles California  modern folk-rock revival champions, Dawes, top their masterpiece debut North Hills. This triumphant sophomore release Nothing is Wrong comes doused full of sonic nostalgia featuring: prolific (Harrison/Dylan-esque) lyrical insight into the human-condition, harmonious CSYN vocal flourishes, and a steady as she goes- 70's party 'till dawn rootsy rhythm section.

Nothing is Wrong is a collection of 11 wise beyond their years West Coast narratives, focused in the art of embracing mindful melodies. At first listen, track 3 My Way Back Home stands out as our favorite earnest reflection of noble truths. Listen to the streaming version below:

MY WAY BACK HOME by Dawes

Dawes come to Seattle's famous Moore Theater June 14th 2011, on tour with the peerless singer-songwriting powerhouse, Brett Dennen LIVE. To purchase tickets click HERE. And don't forget to pick up Nothing is Wrong the new release by Dawes, this Tuesday June 7th 2011 at your favorite local record store.

Cheers FYM.

Words. Graphic. J Thomas Codling.