Dawes is one of the most starkly self-aware bands in all of indie-rock. Their music is tarnished, fractured by some sense of heartbreak. Their albums are unpretentious, slanted by stark arrangements with beautiful, straightforward lyrics wrapped up in stunning melodies and presented by the perpetually sad and insecure Taylor Goldsmith (who was featured in New Basement Tapes with Jim James, Elvis Costello, Marcus Mumford and Rhiannon Giddens).
The band garnered immediate acclaim when it released its first album, 2009’s “North Hills,” and followed it with 2011’s “Nothing is Wrong.” It was that album that got the attention of Conor Oberst, who booked Dawes as the opening act on his summer tour and brought the band to town for its first show ever in Louisville, opening for Bright Eyes at Iroquois Ampitheater.
It was, however, their third album, 2013’s “Stories Don’t End,” that thrust them into the mainstream consciousness – and landed them their second show in Louisville with a premier slot on the main stage at Forecastle Festival 2013. “Stories Don’t End” is packed with infectiously morose melodies and soft chord changes and presented a mature, elegant album from a band that still seemed young and growing.
When the band comes through town Tuesday to headline Headliners Music Hall, they will be touring in support of their latest album “All Your Favorite Bands.” Released only last week, it has received a lot of hype and preliminary praise, but there’s a good bet based on the band's track record that it will be fantastic.
Opening the show will be Gil Landry, who is currently touring behind his latest self-titled album. And if his name doesn’t sound familiar, his guitar sure will. Landry is best known as guitarist for Americana Superstar band Old Crow Medicine Show. His album is a mostly acoustic collection of heartbroken meditations as well.
Dawes with Gil Landry will be performing at Headliners Music Hall Tuesday June 9. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are still available for $25.
