2009 dawns with a whole host of new music talent on the horizon and a number of bands whose time in the limelight is long overdue. Leading the pack is the Portland indie rock band, Dominic Castillo and the Rock Savants.
Intelligent, mature and quirky, DCRS have a unique sound. Dominic himself is a former Jazz student of the Berklee College of Music, famous for having such stars as John Mayer among its impressive alumni lists.
'Keep you Around', MySpace Download of the Month
‘Keep You Around’ from 2007’s Singles for Singles is one of the most damn catchy tunes you will ever hear. It’s head bobbing, smoky cool territory with understated husky vocals and infectious harmonies and rhythms. NME reports that the accompanying video was download of the month on MySpace.
The band are able to combine emotive vocals and perfectly suited lyrics with original and unusual melodies over an assured and confident arrangement. This is a band that trusts each other so much that each member contributes without dominating; the resulting sound is cohesive, varied, beautiful and filled with emotion.
Rock Savant Albums, Elvis Costello, Phantom Planet and Radiohead
The band’s first release was 5 Hideous Lovesongs Plus 2 in 2004, then the Lost Album followed in 2005. Vol II was released in 2006 and Singles for Singles (a collection of 6 singles released month by month over a 6-month period) marked 2007’s efforts. A new album was promised in a teaser video posted on the band's website in 2008.
The band’s sound has been likened to Elvis Costello, Phantom Planet, Elliot Smith and The Strokes amongst others. Dominic’s vocals have a distinct similarity to those of Thom Yorke, think Radiohead with less of the wrist-slitting quality and a little bit more rhythm and you wouldn’t be far wrong.
The band has a dedicated following in California and Portland, OR, where they are growing a reputation for giving spirited and accomplished live performances. Rave reviews accompany their music wherever it is on sale online.
Superbowl Contest, the Black Eyed Peas
2007 brought their first industry recognition when they got down to the last ten of an Interscope Geffen A&M Records/Doritos/MySpace contest to win a record deal and have their video played during the Superbowl. Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas supported the band’s efforts to make it through to the last ten. While Texas’ Kina Grannis later won the contest, Dominic’s group won many supporters and were considered worthy of the award within the final field.
The Castillo Brothers and a Big Break in 2009?
The Castillo brand is not just limited to Dominic. Twin brother Damon Castillo sometimes collaborates with the Rock Savants, when he is not otherwise engaged with his own Damon Castillo Band, another group worthy of note who have just released new album Laurel Lane.
The Rock Savants have stepped so close to making the big break into national and international recognition that their story seems worthy of the full Hollywood treatment. They fully deserve the acclaim that should be theirs in 2009.
Readers may also be interested in Perhapst, the new solo project from frontman John Moen, drummer with The Decemberists.
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