A few weeks ago the Dead Winter Carpenters (DWC) played a CD release party to an oversold crowd of rowdy locals at the Crystal Bay Club Casino. I joined the revelry, knowing I would rub elbows and dance with friends from far and wide. No doubt that these are the basin’s favorite sons (and daughter).
Their sophomore effort, “ain’t it strange,” is an album worth a long listen on any beautiful Tahoe afternoon. Sweet country numbers, lovely duets, rock-a-billy barn burners, funked-out gypsy rhythms, and tight stretched out jams highlight the band’s deft ability and range, and prove the band to be maturing into a solid collaborative unit.
The record opens with the sweet duet “Find Your Home” with the vocals of Jenni Charles and Jesse Dunn playfully recounting their bicoastal musical upbringings. The next track, “One Foot in the Gutter,” again pits playful lyrics against a roots country two-step with Charles’ voice ringing, “I’d rather not die before I get old.”
On a couple of darker and more ambitious arrangements “Cabin Fever” and “How to Make a Living 101,” you clearly hear more rock ‘n’ roll influences in tight electric guitar solos by Sean Duerr and electrifying fiddling by Charles. There is a hint of early Dave Matthews Band with longer solos, chorus effects on the fiddle, and high tempo drumming that creates a thrilling ambient sound. You also get a sense of Charles’ vocal depth and dark storytelling lyrics.
“From Here to San Antone” is perhaps my personal favorite of the lot. It’s a simple and beautiful modern folk song with sweet vocals and a different voice channeling Woody Guthrie with lyrics such as, “no more freight trains on the rails we used to ride.”
Themes of life on the road, growing into your own, and finding your place in this world are laced throughout this lovely record, reflecting the band’s touring life. “I Shot Him,” a vaudeville gypsy-rhythm with minor-based darkness, showcases the assorted influences on DWC. This song has a psychedelic fast-paced feeling that makes you want to dance in your seat. The closer, “Tahoe Gal,” is a newgrass rocker with local-loving lyrics that feels campy at first but grows on you. It’ll have you singing along before you know it. Terrific horn arrangements and extended jamming hint at the live potential of the band.
Overall, the record’s tight polished production, mature song writing, and excellent play make ain’t it strange a great listen. Buy the album, learn some of the words, and get out to see the Dead Winter Carpenters on the road somewhere this summer. I’ll see you there.
