After a weekend of bullshit, lies and pretence, I needed something good and honest to replenish my faith in humanity. The new album from Richard Davies and the Dissidents does just that. The former Tiny Monroe/The Snakes guitarist takes on lead vocal duty and is joined by other alumni from the alt-rock/alt-country scene. Former The Snakes bandmate and Mega City Four drummer Chris Cannon and Case Hardin/Last Great Dreamers bass guitarist, Tim Emery. With Nick Beere (guitars) and Neil Scully (keyboards) completing the “last gang in town”.
This album is an antidote to all those self-righteous, self-serving, so-called public servants. Those whose only interest is themselves and the green folding stuff. The events of the weekend passed the breaking point for many. This album helps retain an element of realisation that most of us are caring, considerate human beings who all have our own journeys to face. As the lyrics to the title (and opening) track Human Traffic state “we are all just human traffic passing by” facing the trials and tribulations that life throws at us.
Good Honest Rootsy Rock ‘n’ Roll
This album is packed with good, nay great, sincerely honest blue collar rootsy rock ‘n’ roll tunes often with a ballsy punk attitude. At times leaning more towards the country element prevalent in some of the band members previous roots. The lyrical content reflects the music, in Richards words they are “…about real life and with all the highs and lows that go with it.”
The band tackle an old traditional Shaker funeral hymn on Lay Me Low, creating a touching and beautiful melody in the process. They follow this with the majestic Way of the Wild. This track masterfully soars and swoops dramatically with some glowing guitar and piano breaks.
Heartbeat Smile for me evoked memories of the 1980’s and hearing The Alarm for the first time. The music sending shivers down my spine. I remember someone once calling The Alarm the poor mans U2, a description which I found entirely unfair. The epic bombast of the music on Heartbeat Smile combined with the of the lyrics will have me listening to this time and again. (Much like The Alarm’s Mike Peters, who I’d listen to over the arrogance and false sincerity of Bono any day).
Heroic
The heroic sounding Echo Road is one of the albums highlights. With lyrics about payin’ your dues, and no matter where life takes you ending back at your roots, it has the feel of a classic Springsteen track. Jump ahead to the closing track, No Man’s Land is another album highlight. This has a bit of everything the band has to offer, melding it all together in perfect harmony into one last glorious fanfare.
Big Music
Back to the 80’s again and Mike Scott this time. He once coined the phrase Big Music to describe the spiritual nature music of the Waterboys. The phrase came to be associated with the anthemic sound of several other bands around that time. While I’m not comparing the bands music to that of The Waterboys, this is “Big Music” that deserves to be played loud. It has the storytelling and blue-collar realism of early Springsteen, with a bit of a punk swagger. The bluesy rootsy sound will appeal to fans of bands such as The Hold Steady and Gaslight Anthem. Add to that the element of Americana and gritty alt-rock that would also attract fans of the likes of Buffalo Tom. This albums ticks loads of boxes.
The album is a glorious escape from the current dreadful reality of lockdown. Take the leap and jump feet first into the world of Richard Davies and the Dissidents.
The latest video from the band for the track, 21st Century Man (recorded during lockdown) can be viewed here:
Order the album (released on June 12th) from Bucketful of Brains.