Drop Dead Gorgeous - Satin

 New Year's Resolution: buy a calendar. I have to get my shit together here, guys. To keep track of the onslaught of review requests that I've been getting lately. It's humbling, overwhelming, and truly spectacular. Thank you all again for your tremendous support. Tonight I have the honor of sinking my teeth into the debut record Drop Dead Gorgeous by the alt-indie band Satin.

There's something refreshing about their sound right off the bat. They're not over-produced, which is good news for me as the heavy production on most indie bands today is often nauseatingly artificial. The second track on the record is particularly whimsical, as for whatever reason it reminds me of Ben Folds, and The Barenaked Ladies, though maybe without the dad jokes and cringe humor. Perhaps it is the lead singer's voice that is reminiscent of those other artists? I'm not entirely sure... but regardless, it's working for me.

"Intangible" is track 4 on Drop Dead Gorgeous, and it immediately stood out to me as a shining star. It is my honest belief that this track belongs on every alternative radio station out there. It is a damn near perfect alt-rock track. Maybe the outro could have benefitted from some tweaking, but nevertheless I would put this into rotation on any alt-rock radio. And please, for the love of all that is holy, remove Imagine Dragons from that list.

"Mad Love" comes a couple songs later, and serves as a really fun track featuring a more prominent rock guitar sound. While the solo halfway through may land a little on the sloppy side, I still more than appreciate its presence on the record, and it actually reminds me quite a bit of an 80's alt-rock single. Okay, maybe without the synth... For a stronger solo, check out "Pretty Little Machine." The solo is short and sweet, from the soul with no frills or filler. Executed well and fits beautifully within the bones of the song.

The biggest thing I think that could use some extra polishing is their harmonies. I'm a sucker for strong harmonies, and these guys are definitely almost there. I think they would benefit from turning the background vocals up a bit more during the choruses, so the lead singer doesn't drown them out as much as he does here. His voice is so unique and prominent on these recordings that the backing vox almost sounds like quiet overdubs of himself laid underneath the main vocal, rather than the rest of the group singing with him. Some extra mixing and a good spit and polish on these choruses would really make them shine.

Drop Dead Gorgeous - Satin

4 - 12 - 2019

1. Magnolia

2. Lavishly Lavender

3. Piece By Piece

4. Intangible

5. Object Of My Love

6. Mad Love

7. Pretty Little Machine

8. Rising Sun

9. Avarice

10. Fall To Pieces

11. Afterglow

12. A Sliver Of Hope

Favorite Track: Intangible

Least Favorite Track: Fall To Pieces