Search - Drams :: Jubilee Dive

Strong, tight band on top of its game.

J. Neely | Austin, TX United States | 08/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The sound has evolved from Slobberbone's in-your-face rock/twang hybrid, with a poppier, more lush sound. Amazing what adding keyboards and more prominent harmonies can do. But there's no denying that Brent Best's songwriting keeps getting stronger and stronger. Old school Slobberbone fans can't get past the sound to see that their hero's chops are better than ever. Even Slippage, the last Slobberbone album, is considered inferior by some for its missing twang. But it's a logical step b/w the rawness of EYTWRWWT and this. This is different. This is great. This is not to be missed."

Music that'll peel paint off the joint

Sal Nudo | Champaign, Illinois | 05/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The cover of this CD says it all. On it, a multitude of cool rock and roll instruments and equipment are just sitting in a studio, waiting to be plugged in so they can scorch some music-starved audience somewhere in the country. The aptly named "Jubilee Dive" is a great big sprawling -- but in-control -- hodge-podge of feel-good Saturday-night rockers and mellow fare like "You Won't Forget," "When You're Tired" and the achingly beautiful "Wonderous Life." Some of this stuff sounds a little like Wilco (see Summerteeth), and some of it like the Wallflowers (see Bringing Down the Horse), but truthfully, The Drams are probably better than both those bands combined. Written by singer and guitarist Brent Best, these sonic jewels are chock-full of moving and meaningful lyrics that lend the music serious poignancy.



Best and his band mates come off as road-weary but happy to be musicians; fun-loving but also old and wise enough to know better than to fall to the perils of touring; humble but also confident in what they're doing. Despite Best's leadership role in the band, there's a definite sense of musical chemistry, probably because two other Dram members played for years in Best's previous band, Slobberbone (Jess Bar on guitar and Tony Harper on drums). Best has a strong, slightly cracked voice, and in several tunes it sounds double-tracked a la Bob Mould (formerly of Husker Du and Sugar) for enhanced effect. Outstanding background vocals also infiltrate "Jubilee Dive," and the organ and piano work is stellar throughout.



"Truth Lies Low," the opening song on the CD, contains the best aspects of The Drams in 3 minutes, 36 seconds: astute lyrics about the fake glibness of today's politicians, great piano work and an overall catchy nature. "Hummalong," the following track, has the same formidable characteristics, and you can tell right away this is the type of music that will suck you in like a good party. "Unhinged," which I first heard thanks to an included CD in an issue of Paste magazine from 2006, takes the cake for the feel-good song of the decade. Whether you're looking for a lazy barroom ditty like "Holy Moses," sprightly guitar as on "Fireflies" or down-home riffs and wailing guitar solos that make their way on several songs, this down-to-earth album is as good as it gets.



The varied songs on "Jubilee Dive" have a slight gloss to them (especially when compared to Slobberbone's work), but they also possess a live feel that makes you want to stand up and sing along. One could easily imagine these tunes being played in a large, packed, sweaty bar, which is likely the type of atmosphere they are often played in. Like a good country singer, Best is capable of evoking feelings through his words, which often linger on the life of a touring band, both the stimulating and drab moments on the road. It all culminates to "Wonderous Life," one of the most beautiful tunes you'll ever hear. All in all, give The Drams an A+ for attitude, perspective and for great music.









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