Dropkick
Turning Circles (Taylored)
Lately Dropkick have just been getting better and better. �Obvious� was a Teenage Fanclub-alike low-key masterpiece, but �Turning Circles� sees them finally fulfilling their potential. I�ve previously stated that they should appeal equally to Converse-wearing indie kids and Ryan Adams� alt-country faithful, but there�s so much more depth and talent on this, their fifth album, that this is only half the story.
Opener �Only For Yourself� is business as usual, a Scottish folk-tinged tune with a healthy dose of pop, even if it does boast a stronger riff than practically anything on their previous album. The true genius lies elsewhere, for in �Avenues� we see their sights turned on the twang and drawl of the traditional country ballad, while �To Get To You� is what The Bluetones might have sounded like if they�d been raised in Nashville. The Teenage Fanclub harmonised vocals are still present and correct, but that�s no longer all they have to offer. They manage to hit all the buttons they�ve been hitting before, but (and I�ll ask you to forgive the metaphor) with these tunes they introduce a whole new range of previously untwiddled-with knobs and dials.
It may have a hand-illustrated cover, and Taylored Records may be a nom-de-plume for none other than Dropkick themselves, but these fourteen tracks rise fully-formed and resplendent from their humble beginnings. Give these boys a contract and a proper studio and they could easily blow the Converse off those indie kids, or even convert the worshippers at Ryan Adams�s shrine. Call it pop, call it country, call it indie, call it whatever you will � �Turning Circles� deserves to be top of your CD rack.
itm? contributor
