The Way You Shatter
Silver Girl, 2022
10/10
If you were paying close attention to the indie-rock scene from San Diego in the late ‘90s, you might remember Dewey Defeats Truman’s gritty yet melodic rock that shared the stage with names like The Jesus Lizard and Archers of Loaf.
After a lengthy hiatus that began in 2003, the trio regrouped in 2018, and this first studio recording in 20 years has the singer/bassist James Reader, drummer Scott Frazier and guitarist Mark MacBride bringing plenty of power to a punk/shoegaze/indie formula.
“Slow Reaction” opens the listen with a warm guitar line and agile drumming, where a soft version of post-punk unfolds with a bit of dreaminess, and “Serpent’s Kiss” follows with a more thumping affair that’s got some alt-rock spirit mixed with the early days of indie-rock, too.
At the halfway point, “Less Than One” brings firm drumming into swirling guitars on the EP’s best tune, while “Subtract Yourself” emits a thicker presence of fuzzed out rock that would make Lou Barlow and J Mascis smile.
Making our way towards the end, the hypnotic “The Tower” balances tension and beauty in a way that might make you revisit your Dischord Records, and “Shots Taken” exits the listen with much grace and textures that could parallel bands like Mineral or even early Jimmy Eat World.
An incredible comeback record, if bands like Polvo, Sebadoh, Mission of Burma or Swervedriver mean anything to you, you just can’t live a meaningful life without spending ample time with these 7 tracks.
Travels well with: Film School- We Weren’t Here; The Psychedelic Furs- Made Of Rain