Wildfires
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
A rising singer-songwriter from Los Angeles who embraces all the hallmarks of modern Americana that we enjoy, Dillon Vanders has got a bit of rasp and soul to bring to the equation, too, across these 10 very well thought out tunes.
“The Road Ahead” opens the listen with calm keys, gorgeous vocal harmonies and warm guitar in the very pretty, Americana setting, and “Healing Touch” follows with strategic drums amid Vanders’ gritty yet melodic singing that benefits much from well timed bass.
At the halfway point, the timeless folk sensibilities of “Racing In Circles” flows with a very poetic quality, while “Wildfires” showcases gorgeous pedal steel alongside a more firm approach of intricate guitar work in the punchy delivery.
At the end, “Truth And Lies” emits gorgeous strummed guitar and moody organ in the album’s best tune, and “Paradise” moves swiftly with country, folk and even a hint of bluegrass in attendance on the festive finish.
Vanders has roots going back to The Laurel Canyon sound, which is thankfully never far from the surface here, and his formative years of listening to Simon & Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell is certainly apparent, also, as he pens an excellent debut album.
Travels well with: Erinn Peet Lukes- EPL; Crash Taylor- Retired Outlaw