The Dopamines - S/T

Release Info

Name: 

Kirby

Year: 

2008

Artist(s): 

The Dopamines

Label: 

It's Alive Records

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A perfect example of everything that is going right with the international pop-punk resurgence and the local Cincinnati music scene, the Dopamines have produced a next to perfect punk rock album.  These are strong words, but not since the first time I spun We Didn’t Come Here to Die by Carbondale’s Copyrights have I been so enveloped with a band’s debut album.  Having had the opportunity to experience this band through live performances and a demo disc prior to the release of a more polished studio recording it has allowed me to better appreciate what an accurate representation this self-titled album is of the band.

Production choices can make or break an album.  This is a controversial topic in music and even more so in punk rock.  Many think that good songs can overcome poor production and all the production in the world could not save an Alkaline Trio song.  I tend to disagree.  For one, I do not think Alkaline Trio songs need to be saved. I also do not believe that the Chinese Telephones reached as many fans as they could have with a better produced album, but this is a review about the Dopamines The point I am alluding to is that the Dopamines have achieved the apex in a balance between having good enough production to stimulate the ears of music appreciators and yet still present a raw atmosphere that makes the music feel genuine.  The energy is almost tangible through this manic delivery of sound and the vocals are the perfect platform for sing-a-longs that are void of the usual perfectly-tuned staleness.

But what about those tunes?  There are songs about love, death, lost friendships and alcohol is almost always involved.  There are hooks and sing-a-longs galore.  My only criticism involves song structure.  Granted not every song needs to follow a formula but songs like “The Dispatch” and “She’s My Rushmore” tend to lose their replay-ability because there is no chorus or hook in either.  Did it seem like that was a contradiction?  Those were the only two weak points making my initial claim valid.  Songs like “Molly”, “Cupidity” and “A Confession…” more than supply the monumental magnetism. 

Lyrically this album dives a lot deeper than I initially noticed before I had the lyric sheet.  The opening track is unique in the fact it is a thoughtful compilation of class notes from a human sexuality course.  I have often looked at my notes and wondered if they too could be put to song.  “The $50,000 Cigarette” however is lyrically my favorite track. I felt exactly the same way when I first graduated college.  “Easy Living” has the angst and desperation that would have easily made it feel at home on Alkaline Trio’s early release, Goddamnit.

Musically, this is a tight, well-executed album.  Minimal pop-punk styled leads coupled with appropriate bass movement and active percussion stylings help make the Dopamines better than your average Ramones-core band.  The vocals tend to be a little too loose at times but not enough to be distracting.  If I could fix anything with this album, it would be to make the vocals tighter.  Sometimes the moment could be enhanced if the vocals were to punch in sync and on beat.  This bothers me a little more than the tune issues.  The off-tune vocals , if you even want to call it that, add character and make the music accessible while the off beat vocals are a little too sloppy.

Whatever you do, please don't take my criticisms too seriously.  They are minimal counterpoints to what would otherwise sound like an almost too-good-to-be-true review.  This album is top notch and I feel confident most people who enjoy pop-punk (or whatever you want to call it) will enjoy this.

One last item I would like to comment involves the packaging.  I find it more and more important to point out when there are positives (or negatives) about a band’s physical release.  The vinyl edition of the Dopamines album comes in gold or black vinyl and offers an alternate version of the concluding track, “Navigation Point”.  This version of the album is the one I prefer.  I like the contrast that the acoustic version of this song provides to the album as a closer.  The compact disc concludes with the electric version of “Navigation Point”.  Don’t fret if you buy the CD and want the acoustic track.  Emusic has you covered.

 In conclusion, the Dopamines have not created a new genre with their self-titled debut.  If you are reading this because you like punk rock, I am assuming you get what makes a good punk band.  It is not about reinventing the wheel.  It is about making that fucker spin as fast and furiously as possible so that everyone wants to take a ride and have a good time.  Well, this is a band spinning out of control towards bigger and better things.  I suggest you don’t get left behind!