Record Review: Dum Dum Girls

by | Sep 19, 2011 | Reviews

Dum Dum Girls
Only in Dreams
Los Angeles, CA

“Dum Dum Girls avoid sophomore slump with smart smart album”

Anyone who ever said heartbreak was a bad thing hasn’t heard Only in Dreams, the latest offering from Dum Dum Girls. The album laments on a relationship gone sour and consequentially launches the group far out of “sophomore slump” territory. Opener “Always Looking” pulls back a curtain on a clearer, more realized version of the band that manifests in singer Dee Dee Penny’s up-front-and-center approach to singing: a surfier, gentler six-string section and a drummer who is keeping time with purpose. It’s hardly a surprise coming from returning co-producer Richard Gottehrer – he got Blondie on the right track and is one of the guys who penned “My Boyfriend’s Back.”

LISTEN NOW: “Coming Down”

[audio:http://performermag.com/wp-content/uploads/Coming-Down.mp3|titles=Coming Down]

Diverging from the muddled, noisy path set on 2010’s I Will Be, everything about the band cleans up nicely. It’s like the moment in She’s All That when Laney takes off her glasses and unfurls her hair from a ponytail, only Dum Dum Girls are shedding distracting feedback and muddy production. Only in Dreams will have casual listeners turning their heads for a second listen and going “day-um!”  (Sub Pop)

Produced by Richard Gottehrer and Sune Rose Wagner

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