Photo courtesy KLRU / Scott Newton
Even with solid bands, the conditions surrounding a show can matter as much as anything the band does onstage. This fact is a sort of double-edged sword that both makes live music exciting as well as offering a potentially shallow view of a band. I saw Dawes at Free Press Summer Festival this year. They were the first band to play on a stage that had just come off a rain delay just after noon on an early day in June in Houston. And they sounded pretty good. But sweltering Texas weather early in the day when rain has made the small group of early festival attendees even smaller and outdoor audio drift is unavoidable can’t be called an ideal environment.
Photo courtesy KLRU / Scott Newton
Without question, Dawes’ performance on Sunday night surpassed their show at Free Press, aided by ACL’s impeccable sound and light and the attentive audience. As always, it’s a testament to the value of what ACL affords artists. Lead singer and guitarist Taylor Goldsmith plays with crispness and impressive technical skill; his vocal melodies showcase dexterity and possess a hint of grittiness. However, Dawes remains a band with radio sensibilities, perfect for fans of Avett Brothers or Lumineers; the band may or may not find favor with fans of avant-garde or more raw folk and folk rock like Deer Tick or any of Will Oldham’s projects.
Photo courtesy KLRU / Scott Newton
When ACL announced their taping with Dawes, I was surprised, since the band will return in just over a month for ACL Fest in October, and I was interested in seeing the band again. However, I was excited primarily because one of my good friends, Thomas, calls Dawes his favorite band, and the taping would present an opportunity to take him along. I treasure the experience of seeing a band with someone who unabashedly adores that band.
Photo courtesy KLRU / Scott Newton
Even with a solid performance, my favorite moment of the evening came halfway through the set, and only peripherally involved the band. Taylor Griffin picked up a worn, black Telecaster and flung the strap over his shoulder. Thomas leaned over to me and said quickly, “He only brings out that guitar for one song—“When My Time Comes.” That moment of enamored fan loyalty and specific knowledge filled me with joy and made the night memorable and profound.
