Search - Dt's :: Hard Fixed

Finally a real rock band with real soul.

David Curtis | Peru, IL United States | 05/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Dt's new release says it was recorded in a studio - but listening to "Hard Fixed" is like being in a small club, sitting ten feet away from a new band that are pouring their heart and soul into every single song.I really want to emphasis the word "band" here, because what makes the Dt's great is the sum of their parts. With Diana Young-Blanchard's vocal skills it would have been easy to focus only on her singing with the music merely a backdrop. The Dt's are too smart, and too good a band to fall into that trap. One gets the impression there is little ego involved - and that all four members are playing for the love of the music - and everything from vocals to music - seems to be executed in a way that serves the song best rather than showcasing any particular Dt's member. Dave Crider, Phil Carter and Patti Bell contribute as much to the overall sound as the lead singer."Hard Fixed" contains some of the most passionate music I've heard in years. However, the band knows when to pull back. Their songs are intense, but never over done. They could have become a bombastic hard rock band with a singer trying to be Janis Joplin. Instead there is a strong sense of a group that uses their rock and soul inspirations to create their own unique vision - rather than trying to mimic what has been done in the past.The song writing is on par with musical talent. The best thing about the tunes on "Hard Fixed" is the lack of filler. This cd is a compilation of good songs that make for a total album - rather than so many releases today that contain a few standout tracks and little else. The two covers suit the band - but I'd rather hear them live - and go for two more originals on this cd - the Dt's songwriting is that good.The main reason I wrote this review is not to sell more copies of "Hard Fixed" on Amazon. My hope this that some major reviewer will stumble across my words and end up giving the Dt's the national exposure they deserve. It is so rare these days to hear a band that sounds so sincere and honest. What a shame it would be if the fate of this group was to stay under the radar while pre-packaged, mindless pop rules the charts.(David Curtis 5/5/04)"