Album Reviews

I don’t know what Tiny Engines is feeding their bands but following solid releases by The Hotelier, Frontier(s) and Somos along with a bunch of others, they once again establish themselves as one of the finest indie labels around with the release of Dikembe’s new album, “Mediumship”.

These Florida natives have largely traded in the rattled nerves and anxiety attacks of “Broad Shoulders” for slowly burning guitars that twinkle before getting all grunged up. Meanwhile, Steven Gray’s vocal delivery wouldn’t look out of place on a Brand New album, minus the catchy hooks and choruses. I never thought I’d quote Blink 182 in a Dikembe album review but ‘I guess this is growing up’.

So yeah, the songs are a little less energetic this time around. But they are moodier and the band allows its material to breathe, making for an album that really lets you dig in. And when they do explode, it hits you all the harder. If all the bands involved with the ‘emo revival’ release albums like this, then I hope they will keep on reviving the scene for a long time to come!