Dreamers
No Evil, 2024
8/10
The duo of Doug and Telisha Williams, as Wild Ponies the pair pen songs about the nuclear family and the ups and downs of being in a queer, polyamorous family
“Band Of Cardinals” starts the listen with Ross McReynolds’ skilled drumming complementing the warm vocal harmonies from Doug and Telisha via the rugged Americana, and “Morning Comes” follows with Doug’s expressive pipes amid soft guitar for intimate gestures.
Halfway through, “Hurt Your Heart” is a punchy alt-country moment, where Ellen Angelico’s rhythmic guitar emits much beauty, while the title track is a busy moment thanks to crisp drums, spirited guitar and gorgeous singing.
Landing close to the end, “Parking Knife” is a gentle moment that allows Telisha’s remarkable voice to shine amid the aching pedal steel from Joshua Grange, and “Night Sky” exits with strong attention to ambience, as soothing backing vocals add much grace to the poetic finish.
An effort that’s heartfelt, sincere and full of love, Doug and Telisha, who also play bass and guitar respectively, give us a peek into their lives with incredible maturity, as they embrace folk, country, Americana and rootsy nods into their open minded vision.
Travels well with: Robby Hecht- Not A Number; The Resonant Rogues- The Resonant Rogues