With a new drummer in tow, Dappled Cities [MySpace] hit the ground running with their third release, Zounds. And, as the name suggests, it’s both surprising and darker than previous Dappled albums. It’s infused with everything you want in “art rock” – the keys outweigh the guitar, the abstract lyrics, the funkadelic musical bunny trails.

This album hints at The Velvet Underground influences; Tim Derricourt even sounds like Lou Reed in several songs. The updated glam sound scapes are much tighter on this release than all prior and gone is their beachy sound of yesteryear – though atmospheric and catchier, it lacked the edge and maturity that Dappled incorporates on Zounds. It’s hard to compare or even criticize; like when people became upset with John Mayer not putting out another sugary, acoustic album. His new stuff is great. His old stuff is great, but he had to grow up and “explore the space” at some point. It’s the same kind of thing here.

While some of the songs might strike you initially as peculiar, try listening to “Middle People” and “Don’t Go There” before you fall face first into the album. It’s the decoder ring you’re looking for.

[mp3] Dappled Cities – “Answer is Zero”

Last 5 posts by Holly L. Perry

• Holly Perry Bids a Fond Farewell to RE - June 23rd, 2011
• Make Love, Not War - The (Subjective) Bedroom Mixtape - January 18th, 2010
• Yo Gabba Gabba - Music Is Awesome Review - December 9th, 2009
• Go Stuff Yourself - The Thanksgiving Mixtape - November 26th, 2009
• Noah and the Whale - The First Days of Spring Review - November 6th, 2009