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Dappled Cities Granddance Dangerbird Spain

      Dappled Cities (also known as Dappled Cities Fly) are a five-piece band from Sydney Australia that collectively claims to be "about 32% sane." I can believe that statement because when listening to their latest release, Granddance, the songs ooze with a certain maniacal and frenzied passion that is anything but commonplace. Listing Akron/Family as one of their biggest musical influences they exude that same excitement that is feverishly beautiful and mad.

      Originally called "Periwinkle," the band came together in 1997 when the majority of the band members had barely reached puberty yet, and were a mere 15 years old. The band played at various all ages shows and charity benefits until they reached legal age to play in the licensed venues. In 2004 they released their first full length album, A Smile, and now in the midst of 2007 they have released Granddance, which is bringing the Australian-bred band into the U.S. spotlight. In fact, as soon as Dangerbird Records heard them play at SXSW in 2006 they immediately signed them on.

      With the release of their second album, it's been said to be a record that doesn't skimp on grand gesture. It opens with probably its most dramatic track – "Holy Chord." The track starts with a soft, catchy beat that eventually gives way to full-blown power chords. In this song, as in many others, vocalist Tim Derricourt varies his vocals between his normal pitch and falsetto. The band slowly builds behind Derricourt, finally leaping into a charge at the beginning of the third verse, where it begins building up again. The resulting sound is big and complex and powerfully delivers emotion straight to your speakers.

      “Fire, Fire, Fire” is an extremely evoking song that slowly unwinds some shy, understated vocal melodies only to see them slowly blossom into nearly epic arrangements. Fellow guitarist Dave Rennick doubles with Derricourt and occasionally breaks into falsetto, which makes the track even more unforgettable. Drummer Hugh Boyce also adds to the multi-dimensional aspect of melodies by carving out a distinct identity with ability to transform a song with his hypnotic beats.

      For being so young in physical age, Dappled Cities is a highly mature band with an evolved sense of superior song craft and arrangement. They may claim to be only 32% sane, but with this latest release they’re definitely not lacking creditability in knowing what they’re doing. With their sophomore release of Granddance I happily suspect I will be hearing a lot more of them in the future.

-Christine Beals 09/14/07