More Info: http://laststandingman.tripod.com, http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~dakota/index-1.htm, http://digital-mixes.com/deep6/
Related Mood Swings items: Mr Lucky, The Last Standing Man, Little Victories, Three Lives Times Ago
Verdict (& Rating): Dakota back, revitalised and sounding wonderful! (90%)
The Dakota story dates back 1981 when the band were originally formed. The band released a couple of albums and split up in 1987. Then back in 1996 the band released Mr Lucky (a revamp of The Lost Tracks from 1987). That is when they first came to my attention. They went on to release The Last Standing Man and Little Victories. All was quiet for a few years, but now they're back with a new studio album called "Deep 6", which just happens to be their 6th album! The line-up for this second part of their career has consisted of Jerry Hludzik (bass, acoustic guitar, vocals) , Rick Manwiller (keyboards, rhythm guitar, vocals), Jon Lorance (lead and rhythm guitar, vocals) and Eli Hludzik (drums, vocals).
The band's style has developed over the years. When I started listening to them the sound had a Westcoast vibe to it. With each album the band have moved more towards an AOR sound. On "Deep 6" there is a 80s AOR feel, conjuring up comparisons with a multitude of 80's keyboard heavy acts.
"Brothers In Arms" is an excellent start to the album and comes across as a battle cry as the band prepare to embark on a melodic crusade. The Toto-ish "Holdin' Your Own" continues the theme of struggle. On the slick "Back To Me", co-written with Bill Champlin, that Westcoast heritage comes to the fore. Dakota aren't about let the pace flag, so they keep the album pulsating with "Not So Much In Love". This track helps to remind me just how integral Jon Lorance's guitar playing has been in the transition to a rockier sound.
Former member, Bill Kelly is involved in the making of the album. "What Were You Thinkin'" is the first song that he had a hand in writing. One of features of early Dakota that is mentioned in virtually every article I read about that era is how good the vocals were. This tracks serves as a great example of how well Jerry's & Bill's voices work together.
"That Awful Day" is a short prelude to "Eye Of The Storm" which is the band's strong and defiant response to the events of 9/11. "It's Not Just The Night" is the type of mid-tempo track that Dakota seem to take in their stride. With this type of track they exude a effortless confidence that reminds me of Journey. "Right This Minute" is another Bill Kelly co-write that has an AOR-country vibe and again highlights that excellent vocal pairing I was talking about earlier.
"Shut Up And Drive" is a forceful blues boogie track that chugs along with a 38-Special vibe. For "The Ride" the band are back in more familiar territory. Then "Luck Time Mind" starts up. Wow! What a gem tucked away at the end of the album. If you love 80's keyboard driven AOR, then you'll be in raptures over this track. The track pulsates, throbs, parps and 'makes love to your ears'! The one factor that singles Dakota out from their contempories is the quality of the vocals, both lead and harmonies."Deep 6", which revisits the previous tracks, is an acapella track that gives an effective demonstration of their vocal prowess.
To be honest, it was with a bit of trepidation that I approached the review of this album. My reivews of previous Dakota albums had all be positive experiences and I wondered how long the trend could continue. Well, as you can tell, I needn't have worried. Dakota have created yet another excellent album.
