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Dastards
06/05/2008 20:53:06 written by vu
Dastards - Flashlights
I thought "dastard" was a madeup word, but checking the The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, they lists this as "despicable coward", but I reckon why the band chose this name is because it sounds so much like "bastards".
Dastards are an indie rock band from Worcester in the Midlands, UK. As far as I can tell, they've been around since 2005, with a very different band members. The one constant member is Wake, their singer and songwriter.
They seem to hit a cord with BBC (early on), Kerrang radio (recently), and, apparently, The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
I was listening to a collection of their songs for review, but I just noticed that they actually have released Flashlights as single, which is an excellent choice, as that is the song I was drawn to.
What I like about this band, in general, is that they remind me of when I first heard Britpop music in the early 90s. A little bit cockiness (their website lists them as "the UK's greatest new band"), a little young and brash, but the way they play and handle their mixes, they have a right to such declarations.
The six Dastards songs I listened to, demonstrated that they're versatile, not just rock and roll. "Succumb" sounds like an experimental angry song with the lyrics shouted and sung, while "Lonely In-Between" and "The Sympathy March" shows you a softer/tender side.
Dastards - Staying Out. Be on the look out for Staying Out as the new single, out on Stretch Records. I don't have the album artwork for this single, so I made one up with their "D" icon. You can also buy Flashlights via download or promo CDs on their CD Shop.
Also, be sure to add them to your vox neighborhood.
Not Just Sauce Not Just Sauce - Worcester Web Resource
The Dastards
Debut Album (sort of..)
The Dastards are a Worcester band that I have heard alot about but never actually seen live, except for the odd occasion where Wake (lead singer/main bloke) has been doing a solo acoustic set. They have their debut album coming out in October of which this CD is a kind of promo version. And from the sounds of it, it’s going to be good. There are 14 tracks on here, all of which are originals and all worthy of being stuck on the album.
The Dastards list the band Dashboard Confessional as one of their influences and I can definitely see the resemblance. Acoustic led indie rock with catchy choruses, distinct vocals and a warm feeling to the sound. Wake has one of those voices that you just recognise straight away.
The opening track Scaffolds of Muscle sets the scene for what we are to expect in the next 14 tracks. Powerfully clean vocals, tight upbeat feel, and a well crafted guitar led rock track.
It gets more atmospheric with Life On The Edge with Wakes almost whispered vocals and almost eighties feel, building into a dance influenced number.
The last single What I Came For is next and shows that not only the band great musicians but Wake is also a great songwriter.
A change of pace with piano intro'd and seemingly duelled vocaled I know followed by the awesome next single Flashlights with it's almost country tinged guitar intro, Pet Shop Boys ish keyboard loop and a overall sound that has elements of a indie rocked Stan Ridgeway. Quite a remarkable track and a great choice for a single.
One More Night and Not Too Early slow things down a bit along with the Bob Dylanish Change Coming On, an amazing acoustic track with some great lyrics and terrific guitar work. A truly awesome song.
More original Dastard tunes follow with Shoot From The Hip. Spitting Roses, This Time proving that this band can seem to do no wrong. Unknown Metaphor is a tremendous upbeat fun sounding sound that has your feet tapping away with the brass built bridge section. Quite original and very listenable.
The CD appears to get heavier with track 13, Blood. A more rocked out track than we are used to by the band, but with the distinct vocals of Wake, a Dastards track non the less.
The final track, Trouble is an acoustic guitar based song not dissimilar to psychedelic Beatles stuff. A softer number that builds up slowely to include the entire band. Rather uncomfortable drumming in places and great little chorus make this quite a unique and enoyable, if not understated, closing track to a damn fine CD. MySpace.com/theDastards
Toxic Pete www.ToxicPete.co.uk
Here's Toxic Pete's view on the demo album ....
These guys have been quite quiet recently so I was extremely pleased (understatement!!) that they sent me this new demo work to listen to. And, once again, I have nothing but praise for the talented Wake and his 'friends'; the work ethic, the massive talent, the originality - they're all there (in abundance!!) just as I'd expected.
Word from the Dastards camp is that this demo is the basis for a forthcoming 'proper' album in the not too distant future (October-ish?). Based on this it's gonna be well worth waiting for - Dastards fans are gonna love what's on offer and hopefully Wake is putting something together that'll make dastards virgins stop dead in their tracks and start to take notice of, what surely must be, one of the best bands out there.
Anyway, I do believe I detect a new maturity within this stunning work; Wake's songs are (as usual) simply magnificent and his musical vision is once again there for all to see and hear. What Wake proves here also is that he's a bloody great vocalist; erstwhile probably known for his very unusual and distinctive intonation and delivery, the 'main man' shows his true colours here - this guy has a superb voice and he's letting it all out here. Musically, every track is superbly crafted; there's quite a lot going on but it's never over-done or crowded - the songs sound rich and full bodied, balanced and polished. Just great stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One thing's for sure when it comes to Dastards works, it's defo gonna be all 'whistles and bells' - Wake is a consummate perfectionist and won't let anything out that's not honed to the nth degree - not over-produced, just everything beautifully formed, nicely rounded and of the highest quality. So, it'll come as no surprise to hear that this demo is already simply stunning in its make-up and if it is indeed the skeleton for the new album I can only recommend that you keep a very watchful eye out for the album proper when it's finally completed - believe me, it promises to be something very, very special!
Dastards are still very much alive and kickin' (bloody hard) - this demo demonstrates quite clearly what an awesome talent Wake and his dream machine, Dastards, actually are. Thoroughly entertaining - at times breathtaking - always magnificent - Dastards richly deserve to be 'discovered' - maybe, just maybe the new album will prove to be the launch pad they need to break in a big way - we'll all have to wait just a little longer to really know, personally I can't wait - but there again, I've got this absolute beauty of a demo to see me through!!
Audio Democracy http://audio-democracy.com
Dastards really are an odd breed of band. ‘Flashlights’ starts off with a guitar sound reminiscent of something like Radiohead’s 'Bullet Proof I Wish I Was’ but then adds in a spacey synth that makes it sound like Jean Michel Jarre is sitting in on the session, or something off ‘Super Massive Black Hole’ by Muse. As for Wake’s vocals, they’re distinctive, is the best word I can manage. I can’t really think of a comparison, unless it would be to say Chester Bennington trying his hand at indie. With maybe a touch of Bob Dylan? Yes, that sounds like a bizarre mix doesn’t it? But amazingly enough, it works.
The wistful yet strangely jaded lyrics and delivery combine with the dual indie-and-electro influences to create a sound that is quite definitely unique, at least in my experience, and lines like ‘choking in a bin bag / I don’t want to say goodbye’ manage to mix the message of a ‘traditional’ love song with oppressive, claustrophobic imagery. And make no mistake, despite the (to my ears) odd sound of his voice Wake can sing, and sing well. The only criticism I’d have of it is that when going into the chorus it’s clear that the vocals were recorded in separate takes which gives it a slightly artificial edge; given the electro sounds and their apparent fondness for futuristic and space-based images you could perhaps argue that an artificial tone fits it, but it just makes it sound a little too clinical and pre-packed for my liking. With the music crisp, clean and at times oddly jaunty, particularly in comparison to some of the lyrics, I’d have liked a more natural-sounding vocal line to evince a little passion.
However, regardless of minor details, Dastards (or is it The Dastards? Sources seem to differ) have managed to carve themselves out a nice little niche on the basis of not fitting into anything else. Yes, you can tell that there’s a Muse influence, but they’re far from a carbon copy (anyone remember that band Halo? No? There you go then). They have just that something extra about them, a little edge that others dabbling around in similar areas lack. It’s electro-pop indie Jim, but not, as they say, as we know it.
David Anderson - Reviwer
I spent my Sunday Morning with a fantastic set of songwriters, 'The Dastards'. No I wasn't physically with them, but listening to their music on MySpace and their website.
One thing that kept coming to mind as I listened, was how detailed their song structures were, coated with melody and lyrics to match. Songs tell stories. There seems to be chemistry in their music that just plain caught my attention.
This isn't loud music, this is music with such fantastic content. These guys are very young and may have an incredible journey to tell 20 years from now. Another thing is, I don't think we have seen their best yet. That is because they are young and as they mature they will even get better. The Dastards have the potential for reaching high and acheiving that goal.
As far as their recordings goes, I was quite impressed with the mix. Lots of sounds and good use of the Stereo Panoramic View. This is what I term it when I can hear things in the left channel and things in the right channel simultaneously. Great overall mix.
The Dastards I think have given the music what it needs. If their stage presence is half as good as they're music, they'll have no problem acheiving their musical dreams and goals.
They also don't seem to be a one hit wonder. I really liked several of their tracks, each telling adifferent story.
Best wishes Dastards and may you find yourself at the end of the musical rainbow.
Swan Sessions - Review 'Not Just Sauce'
"I joined the party as Wake (from local band Dastards) was performing his stuff. This guy has a great, unique sounding voice that many bands lack. Listen to GnR and you can tell that its Axl. Listen to Queen and you can tell its Freddie. Listen to The Dastards and you can tell that it's Wake. His voice is very distinctive, which is good. His set comprised almost entirely of original material written by Wake finishing off with What I Came For, the Dastards new single (download it here and help them get it in the Top 40.)"
Showcase Sunday - Robin R'n'B Club 14 Jan 2007
"Of the many acoustic acts a few stood out, such as Wake (lead singer of The Dastards) who played Poppy songs akin to Green Day light, and as a result was one of the more commercially viable acoustic artists on the day." - Ryans Guide
"One of the first solo artists who appeared was Wake of The Dastards. This young man really surprised me. He's very unique with not just his vocals but also his style. He reminded me of a very young Miles Hunt... minus the bad attitude! There was a snarly Britishness to his voice which was easily noticed when he delivered some of his excellent lines." - Ryans Guide
Flashlights - Review Toxic Pete
 Very little info came with this superb one tracker. I'm not sure whether it's meant as a demo, a single or work in progress. Whatever the case, what a great number 'Flashlights' is. It's as commercial as hell and once again shows what this sonofa' has to offer the music world.
Dastards can be a solo project or full-blown band or anything in between. But there's no doubt whatsoever that the heart and driving force of Dastards is the unique and exciting singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Wake. And this guy is something quite special, very special, frighteningly special!! And scarily, there's some growing still to be done yet but I just know that Wake, (Dastards in whatever form), has been gifted with a lot more than his fair share of all round musical talent and a great deal of ambition - and grow he will.
'Flashlights' is rammed full of good things. It's bulging with interest; right from the pop-synth intro, through the nu-folk undertones and onto the catchy, melodic indie/rock vibe it's fantastic! However, having ranted about Wake I still have to admit that his whole take on contemporary music is not going to suit everyone; just as Brian Molko struggled to be heard with Placebo, so too I feel, Dastards will struggle at times - and probably for the very same reason; Wake's Molko-esque vocal sound is not going to appeal to all-comers. But hey, Placebo didn't do too badly did they?
Actually, although quite Molko-esque sounding, I can see Wake and Dastards making much bigger statement overall - from a songwriting point of view Dastards seem to have an enormous armoury available to them purely from Wake's varied writing approach. And 'Flashlights' demonstrates just one tiny facet of that arsenal. Believe me, Dastards will make a big impression one day. Hopefully soon!
'Flashlights', as an individual piece of work, is truly excellent. But, it just leaves me frustrated because I want to hear a full blown ten or twelve (or more) track album from Dastards - and I'll not be satisfied or totally happy until they get one sorted.
Yes, you guessed it - I like Wake, I like Dastards and I certainly like 'Flashlights'.
Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (ToxicPete.co.uk)
The Trouble EP - Review PowPowPow.com
Worcester 4 piece (The Dastards) claim to be the 'UK's best new band'. Although of course this is a hard claim to prove, this EP certainly shows a unique band full of promise and capable of ripping out some cracking tracks.
Opening track 'This Time' echoes the fragility and distinctive nature of JJ72, whilst being different in its own right. It's slick indie rock, with Chris, Dan and Lloyd throbbing out musical waves to compliment the special voice of Wake.
Sounds are blended on this EP; 'What I Came For' is a more acoustic-based song. Vocals with a Brian Molko flavour and an enjoyable structure make this a good listen. Moving on, I think 'Scaffolds of Muscle' is a bizarre name for a song. But it doesn't disappoint; it's an earnest combination of acoustic guitars, attached lyrics, and Wake's voice.
'Trouble' finishes off the EP - but do not fear: the song is not a Coldplay imitation. Melancholic strings and ascended voices intermingle with throbbing drums; so much more meaningful and enlightening than a Coldplay song.
Overall, The Trouble EP is a collection of stupendous songs. Listening to it is like swimming in a sea of chocolate; but as you'll never be able to do that, just buy this CD.
Radio Pulse - Wake Live Review April 2006
http://www.myspace.com/theianmichaelsshow
The Dastards Live
 So the first of (currently) four live groups came into the studio last night to do a live acoustic session. The Dastards (who you can find on my friends or go to Dastards.com or MySpace.cco/TheDastards) are a group I found on my space and glad I did. Wake (real name Daniel) came in for a interview and live performance, the rest of group could not make it (shame on you all!!), he seemed nervous in the interview but when he picked up the his guitar (which was a very nice one) he shone.
Some people think it is easy to pick up a guitar and start playing and singing on your own, I can tell you its not but Wake made it look very easy (if you want to know what he looks like have a look at the photos). Wake performed 3 songs Scaffold of Muscle, Change Comin On and my fav What I came for, all written by Wake him self, his voice is unusual but very good at the same time giving a real unique touch to the tracks. All the tracks were excellent although he did forget some of the line in Scaffolds but not that we noticed! You can listen to the What I Came For on the front page on my myspace site so have a listen you won't be disappointed.
With the help of his independent record label Stretch Records I can see some big things for the Dastards well worth looking out for them, and if you log onto their website you can download more tracks, oh and have a search of their my space page and see if you can get the remix of What I Came For, its not official but I think they are looking at making this the next single. They are next performing at the Party in The Park on 1st May in Stourbridge so if you can go and see them.
After looking though Myspace for groups have a busy few weeks. Lizzy Parks is in on the 26th April, In4Me on the 2nd May and 51 Breaks on the 16th May all will be doing live tracks some a lot of good music to come up.
Laters
P.S. we had to cool Hanna down after Wake had left apparently she has a thing for blokes playing guitar. So add that to the list then!!!!!!
Toxic Pete's Review of The Trouble EP March 2006
Oooh, nice, very nice. No no no, bad word - not nice, beautiful! Different but definitely nice. I've heard this bands' name being banded about locally recently but couldn't seem to catch up. Now, at last, I've got my grubby little fingers on their EP, 'The Trouble'.
Dastards are a four piece from Worcester and they certainly have something very special. There's no doubt that 'main man' Wake leads their assault with his amazingly individualistic vocal work - really strange, wavering, quavering and God knows what! Strange but stunning!! Wake writes most of Dastards' excellent material and provides some of the guitar work. He is magnificently supported by Chris (guitar, effects, contortions), Dan (bass, backing vocals) and Lloyd (drums and percussion); together as the Dastards these guys show immense promise with their cultured and finely honed music. And, they don't simply rely on Wake's talent to get them through - these guys are laying down some beautiful stuff here. The overall sound and style is memorable, refreshing and slightly American-esque. Mature, classy and thought provoking songwriting adds massive strength to the guys' silky-slick, often breathtaking performance.
The four tracks, 'This Time', 'What I Came For', 'Scaffold Of Muscle' and 'Trouble' are simply fantastic; the mixture of acoustic and electric guitars (with and without fx!) works superbly. Bass and drums are sensitively poised right where they should be. As each track unfolds Dastards are drawing me headlong into their incredibly original musical world. Once you come to terms with Wake's amazing vocal work this is quite magnificent.
Dastards somehow, and I'm not too sure why, remind me of the more mellow side of Placebo (possibly Brian Molko's voice is similarly unusual?) - and that can't be bad!! However, there really isn't a comparison to be made as Dastards are taking things to another dimension altogether - and I love it!!
Methinks Dastards are gonna do something very huge with this. Special, tons of potential, who needs drugs when you can get high on this sort of thing. Bloody marvellous!!
Toxic Pete's Website
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Online interview with Edward in Feb 2006
http://powpowpow.com/content/view/176/31/
Monochrome Museum
Backstage after-gig interview carried out by John Mono and Moll in March 2006
http://www.monochromemuseum.co.uk/monochrome%20museum%20live%20lounge.htm
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