I had the privilege of checking out their new album “Bone Island” just before they release it tomorrow May 13th (iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc.) and let me start off by saying, HOT DAMN! This album is packing some serious heat! If anyone is poised to save rock ‘n roll, it is most certainly DTAW (Dee-Taw). Self-described Guitar-driven Riff Rockers; DTAW’s album “Bone Island” is dripping with blood, sweat, and plenty of beers!
This album is filled with sweet licks, screaming harmonies, beer smashing drum fills, and some of the most swashbuckling bass lines this side of the Mason-Dixon. The album’s first single, “Pushing Rope” is a prime example for what you are getting into after you are washed ashore on “Bone Island.” Don’t let the introduction’s chiming acoustic guitars fool you into thinking DTAW are messin’ round, as you are soon bombarded by the raucous rhythm section comprised of drummer Greg Meltzer and bassist Carl Neilsen. Enter the grooving guitar riffs courtesy of the bands lead guitarist James Bianco and singer/guitarist Jake Handler, which are soon followed by the southern-grit of Jake’s voice and James’ soaring harmonies.
As you make your way across “Bone Island” you will surely find yourself encountering stand out tracks such as “Electric Blue Tang” with its hardcore-influenced, driving rhythms; or you might just stop for a couple of rounds of “Beer Shredder” with its bluesy licks and slamming chorus. After you’re done shredding some brewskis you might end up at “Cletus, I’m Taking You Home” which is probably my personal favorite off the album with it’s more progressive leanings and atmospheric bridge section reminiscent of Cave In and Hopesfall.
If you’ve been looking for a rock band that brings together all your favorite elements of Every Time I Die, He Is Legend, and Mastodon… Look no further!
I give Dead Things and War’s debut full-length “Bone Island” an 8.5/10
