Here Come The Dowsers!
Things Like A Key, 2024
8/10
Listen to Here Come The Dowsers
The 15th release from the art-rocker Ward White, the 11 songs here land in cinematic territory, where contributions from Mark Stepro and Tyler Chester won’t go unnoticed.
The melodic and bright “Continuity” starts the listen with fluid guitar from White and Stepro’s agile drumming, and “Here Comes The Dowsers” follows with a darker spirit, where White’s bass complements his distinct vocal delivery that’s quite stylish.
Further along, the mysterious and rich “Johnny Fontane” touches on glam-pop with much detail, while “Common Thread” uses dreamy backing vocals and more rugged guitar work that unfolds with plenty of harmonic gestures.
Deeper still, “Horse Operas”, the album’s best, mixes pop and rock with gorgeous singing amid a charming rhythm section and a crisp tunefulness, and “Speak, Harry” exits with a mesmerizing mood that allows for Chester’s subtle keys to illuminate the radiant textures.
If legends like Bowie, Costello, The Shins or ELO are in your rotation, White’s charming and artistic brand of sounds should be, too, as he continues to prove that he’s as prolific as he is timeless.
Travels well with: Ward White- Ice Cream Chords; Kelly Hogan- I Like To Keep Myself In Pain