Adam Dove
Aftershock
Doghouse
Well, this is a simply wonderful album, in all aspects. I list the artist as “ex-Chamberlain” because many Chamberlain fans are still unaware of the sad truth that the band has officially called it quits. These same kids may also be unaware that Adam Rubenstein was even recording a solo record. For fans of Chamberlain or Split Lip, the break up of Chamberlain is terrible news and truly is the end of a wonderful era of music at the Doghouse camp… luckily, Aftershock is similar enough to The Moon My Saddle-era Chamberlain to keep fans happy.
Adam Rubenstein recruited members of Old Pike to help him record this record, which is primarily rock n’ roll with a southern twang, which stays true to its indie roots with big drums and grainy guitars. Adam’s vocals, however, are the most fascinating and captivating facet of Aftershock.
I don’t care how many Mineral records you own, the emo-quotient on their ENTIRE CATALOGUE couldn’t compare to that of this record. Hoo-wee! You don’t even have to read the lyrics to feel the emotional outpour coming from within Adam’s wonderfully David Moore-esque vocal cords! Adam is really a very fine vocalist, in his own right, and he really lets it show on the crooner “Just Like You,” which is, by far, the album’s best track. His vocals sway back and forth over the lightly brushed drums and softly strummed acoustic guitars. The guitar line between verses screams “pass the whiskey, I’m gettin’ loaded tonight!” The song is so beautifully written and crafted that it makes me wonder why Chamberlain never broke big like they were supposed to. Really incredible stuff.
“White Paper Men,” the album’s final track, is a slow tearjerker on acoustic guitar, with longing vocals which follow the ironically triumphant guitar line of the chorus. Again, another top quality song, and there’s only vocals and guitar!
This is honestly the best record I’ve heard since Bjork’s Vespertine, in terms of completely disarming emotional content. Damn! This is a hot one, people! Even if you’re not into Springsteen style rock, this is a must hear. August may no longer be hanging our town out to dry, but Adam Dove does a wonderful job of reminding us of what wonderful music can do to our feeble emotions.
Adam Dove: http://www.adamdove.com
