L.A.'s Dawes will finish up their current tour on Saturday at the Casbah.
Led by brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, Dawes were originally a post punk band called Simon Dawes. After the departure of co-songwriter Blake Mills, the band dropped the "Simon" and adopted a more rootsy sound.
Their debut, 2009's excellent North Hills, was recorded live to tape, resulting in a sound that Rolling Stone called "authentically vintage." Wilco multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone -- no stranger to recording the old fashioned way -- appears on the album. Other high profile Dawes fans include Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and indie singer/songwriter Conor Oberst.
For a band with no members over the age of 25 -- the youngest Goldsmith had to get permission from his high school to go on the road -- Dawes cite some classic influences. And while they have a decidedly original sound, there's no question that CSN, Jackson Browne and the Band factor heavily into Dawes' style. The rest is just sheer talent and youthful energy, and it's no wonder that in the group's short existence, word has rapidly spread and they're selling out shows across the country.
Dawes' Saturday performance at the Casbah will mark the end of an extensive U.S. tour. The band recently spent some time recording a new album, so you may hear some unfamiliar songs mixed in with the (comparably) old favorites. OwlandBear is giving away two tickets to the show -- or if you don't trust your luck, you can purchase tickets here.
T. Loper is a writer and photographer for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
