The Dodies It’s One Hell of a Ride Album Review

April 7, 2020 Tracy Morrow 1 Comment It's One Hell of a Ride, The Dodies

I mentioned that I was psyched to start this review of The Dodies new album, “It’s One Hell of a Ride”. At that time, I had no idea of what I was in store for. This album has left me in awe of what can be accomplished by two kids who happen to like playing music together.

Seriously, you absolutely must experience this album for yourself to truly understand how thrilled I am to know that true artists are still coming up in this crazy time in the world. I’d like to find out if you feel the same way I do:

The first song, “Boiling Point” is a catchy, groovy song, reminding me just a bit of the Black Stripes. The sound is incredibly full for a two-piece. This is the kind of fresh song you want to turn up the volume loud, while wearing your darkest sunglasses, when you’re feeling like you know you are the coolest kid on the block, but no one else has figured that out yet. For extra credit, sing along – loud – but understand the song is about the lack of sexual attention. The guitar redefines heavy and accomplishes it without distortion and I love that!

Next up is “Sell Out” and this song has a raw guitar that is amazing, without being over-powering. This second track oozes creativity with a breathable melody that leaves space for what is a lot going on. Again, not too much – enough to keep the interest for sure. There is a sort of buzzy hoo-haw going on in the background throughout. Tastefully done and I would say definitely NOT a sellout.

The third track, “Alien” immediately brings out my stank face. I LOVE the art – it’s very clear that is the priority and the song oozes expression. This is award-winning stuff here. I’m digging the grungier, dirty fuzz to this song – and the slow groove. I can totally hear this song in a “coming of age” sort of movie where the kids are walking down a suburban road and feeling angsty about girl problems. The perfect little 2020 guitar solo highlights the middle 8, super quick, but exceptionally effective.

Not to get left behind “Suleyman” starts out buzzy with ethereal vocals, these guys aren’t afraid to push the envelope and I’m totally digging the sort of dirge-y, march style of this song. It’s got some filth to it. I feel like I’ve walked into a court of post-apocalyptic eggmen and walrus – I am guilty as charged and I don’t care. The creativity of these guys is off the hook – Fearless!!!

The vibe slows down for a short piece with a sweet guitar melody, soft percussion, and softer vocals. It feels like a summer evening, when the stars just start to come out. In the solitude one must wonder if the whole grind is worth it, in a depressing, yet oddly uplifting way… haunting.

Back to the tracks, “Suburban Nights” is the fifth song and starts off with a talking intro before breaking into a song that could be an anthem for anyone growing up in a location that is too tight on the spirit, knowing that breaking free is the only option for true survival. The head voice vocals and backing harmony vocals are excellently performed. This is one of the bigger songs, very layered and moves in a spacy, decadent way, like taking off in the Jetson’s space car to parts unknown.

Speaking of traveling, “Comfort Zone” takes you to a brand-new space. This song has a bluesy vibe and bayou groove – genius! I want to pack a bag, grab my man and my dogs and run away with these guys – they are sure to be on an amazing trip if they keep putting out this quality. The vocals, along with the music are highly expressive. While some of the guitar riffs went back to the basics, the way they were owned, sort of like Ace Frehley from KISS, very tasty.

Still a bit breathless from “Comfort Zone”, “Pussy Riot” comes in with a raw punk sound. The vocals turn toward the vicious side as well. This song makes you want to dance, mosh, and break stuff. Crank it up loud and have a rager in your living room. What is that a laser sounding sort of hoo-haw? This song is INTENSE and exceptionally honest.

Slowing back down, “Sweet Solitude” comes up, but not like a ballad. It’s more of a poppy, Sunday afternoon song. The kind you play when you are tripping along on a sunny afternoon with your besties to get a frothy latte. Don’t be fooled though, despite the sweet melody the vocals have a strong message.

Picking back up, “Stuck” has a southern fried pop sound to it. The lyrics are angst filled, as is the rest of the album, but the music is so happy and bright that you can’t get too sad. There is a playfulness about this song and should be another one that you want to turn up to cathartically dance to.

Every song on this album stands strong on its own. It’s like these guys have a lot of different beliefs and each song bring out a new one. “Buffoon” is no different, in that it is completely unique. The intro is mellow, and the vocals are soft. I want to drink a hot beverage on a rainy day while looking out my window and reflecting on how much of a buffoon I can be. The chest voice being used in the chorus has an excellent tone. The falsetto really gets to me as well as the cool guitar riffs too.

The twelfth and last full length song on “It’s One Hell of a Ride” is “Dysthemia”. The intro to this song has an acoustic guitar, with a more assured, yet still soft vocal. Very cool guitar progression, not busy, in fact it’s very simple, but there is great depth in the simplicity. The drums kick in and the entire song perks up, while staying heavier and darker than some of the other songs. This vocalist’s range is crazy because I hear yet another tone in this song – I pride myself on my word crafting, but all I can think of right now is “DAMN!!!! Good stuff here! The effects lend a thickening effect to the song that creates layers of juice that you’ll want to keep listening to fully absorb the sound.

The thirteenth and last track “Goodbyes” takes it all away except for the vocals and guitar. What a bittersweet reminder about all the happy goodbyes in your own life, and a song of hope to where these guys are going to go.

What is so sweet about this album is it feels like no one has told these guys who to be. There is a maturity to it, but also a genius way of pulling together some highly eclectic sounds. They are either super-humanly talented, have a great producer, or more likely – both. The Foo-Fighters need to watch out, seriously. I love this album and can’t wait for the next one.

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