Album: Dad Rock
Artist: The Harmonica Lewinskies
The days are getting darker earlier, the skies are cloudy all too often, and the snow is beginning to settle on the ground. It’s time for a pick up, and The Harmonica Lewinskies are here to save the day with upbeat music that will have you shaking off the early winter blues.
Hailing from New York City, The Harmonica Lewinskies have been putting the fun back in rock music. Their music is upbeat, with a 60s rock and roll flare and a touch of Delta Blues to round out the sound. Formed in 2008, The Harmonica Lewinskies have recently released their third album Dad Rock.
Inspired by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, and The Ramones, The Harmonica Lewinskies have created a sound that is all their own. At times their music sounds like Ska and other times Deep South Blues. They include a multitude of instruments in their music, which lends the feel of a swing band that decided to defy convention. Their lyrics are quirky and fun, but at the same time soulful.
Dad Rock is an album that you can listen to time and time again without getting bored of the music. Each song is distinctly different but they all have an energy to them that will uplift your spirit.
With nine tracks on the album, I at first thought that there were too few songs. However, as I listened to the album, I began to notice how uplifting the music was. After listening to the album again, I finally felt energized and ready to tackle my hectic week, despite the bleak grey outside.
“Put Your Mouth On Me” is big and loud and full of invigorating fun. Listening to this song I picture the rock and roll bands of the 60s singing on stage accompanied by a jazz orchestra entertaining a room full of dancers. The song is a mix of rock and roll, blues, and ska with raunchy and suggestive lyrics that are more fun than lewd. Being the first track on the album, this song sets the tone perfectly for the remainder of the album.
The most surprising song on this album is “The Hunt” which is much slower, and completely different from the other songs. The guitar is mournful and sombre, yet mysterious and seductive at the same time. The singing captures the same feeling carrying away the imagination with each verse and crescendo. The trumpet gives the song an exotic feel, and the whole song pulsates with a sensual energy.
“Sitting On My Hands” is rock at its finest with a big band feel. The injection of blues throughout the song make it feel larger than life. The music reminds me of the older James Bond songs that the movies are famous for. This song was definitely one of my favourites on the album.
Samantha Stevens is an aspiring writer who loves combining her love for literature with photography, painting, music, and all creative pursuits.
