Dexateens - Singlewide

Recording with Mark Nevers has proved an inspired choice for The Dexateens. He’s produced the cream of the alt.country crop - Lambchop, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Calexico and the Silver Jews - but he’s a self confessed rocker at heart. "I mean, I love the Ramones!" he confessed in a recent interview, "I don’t quite know how I got into this hushed down world".

The hushed down world of The Dexateens is explored and captured expertly on Singlewide, but crucially by someone who understands that even in more plaintive mood, the Tuscaloosa Alabama five piece have the passion and fire of a true rock n roll band.

It’s the passion and soul that makes The Dexateens rise above many of their country (and alt.country) contemporaries - most evident in singer Elliott McPherson’s performance. A great vocalist and frontman, Elliott has never sounded better on record - his voice cracks with emotion, at times vulnerable and fragile sounding without ever coming across as forced or histrionic. He reminds me a lot of Dave Pirner’s better earlier moments on this record, there’s a touch of Jeff Tweedy in there too.

‘New Boy’ is a real standout, melancholy and hopeful. ‘Battle of departed souls’ is a beautiful tune, similarly hushed and aching with some fuzz and white noise in the background like a half forgotten memory.

Elsewhere, there are some great campfire sing alongs. Opener ‘Downlow’ starts off with some percussion on the guitar and builds to a tasty stomp. ‘Same as it used to be’ and ‘Trail’ are other sing along winners, with infectious ‘come on come on’ and ‘whoo hoos’ choruses.

The Dexateens can’t resist slipping in a bit of kick ass at the end of the record on ‘Can You Whoop It?’ with some classic 3 way harmony southern rock guitar.

Fans of the better known artists Nevers has produced should get their hands on Singlewide and discover how well it sits with the rest of their collection.

Dexateens on Myspace