Dresden
>> Save My Soul
>> Single
Looking at the cover, and going by the band name, I was expecting Dresden to sound like some apocalyptically industrial über-group; dealing with such grand issues as the possibility of a futuristic, neon-lit, scart-controlled society where the only expression of free will comes in the form of the carbon-tinged burn of machine monotony…
But No! These scamps are exponents of some radical Motor City™ RAWK! Aah, the sound of youth and vitality! First track ‘Save my Soul’ has the touches of evangelical preaching that such a release really should be dealing in. My favourite thing about the MC5 / Stooges-esque sound has always been the quasi-religious tones in both the lyrics and the vibe – the feeling that you should be worshipping at the foot of the stage with the sweaty throng of the spiritually awakened. Think David Byrne with some added crazy amp action slaying Once In A Lifetime with Iggy Pop on the mixing desk – like that. And Dresden has kinda nailed it.
‘Crusader’ is a battling tune with a divine, driving surge. Boss lyrics concerning ‘Jesus freaks’ and freedom fighters only lasting a week wrap things up nicely and the urgent delivery means you can’t do much else other than sit up and take notice.
Dresden has the tunes, attitude and panache to pull off this great single. Celebrated by Xfm and with the single launch under its belt, the band can only keep movin’ up. Playing Tut’s this month, and I’m sure with plenty of gigs lined up, it would be well worth your while to get out there and check out this band.
>> Russell Moore
www.dresdenmusic.co.uk
