Dylan Trees
Charlie Horse
Motherwest Records
7/10
The soft voice of British singer-songwriter Jeremy Simon feels just like a warm summer breeze on a lazy Sunday afternoon. How fitting for this Los Angeles artist based in Venice to have a sound fit for the beach. Before busting out the Coronas and lime however, the music of Dylan Trees offers much more than just the right mood. They pay tribute to a classic 1960s musical genre known as psychedelic folk-rock in their new EP release, “Charlie Horse.”
The cool, calm and collected sound of the first track sets the tone for the rest of the album. While the first track, “Henry Collapsed” embodies a very sleepy sound, there is something very mesmerizing about it. The delicate strums of the guitar, the folksy pipes of Jeremy Simon and the sadness of the piano make for a very interesting introduction into the world Dylan Trees.
Undoubtedly, the link to the iconic Bob Dylan exists in the name but early Donovan, Tyrannosaurus Rex and early Byrds come to mind as well. Jeremy Simon takes listeners back to where these 1960s artists reigned supreme. But Simon faces a tough challenge in this day and age. It is not all about the free love and drugs, but suddenly iPods and Hybrids. Jeremy and company some how managed to update a classic sound and tastefully remind listeners of the simple melodic sound of his predecessors with this album.
The second track, “Ruby” has enough upbeat, cheeriness to start off the day right. In this case, a very hippie start to the day. After greeting the natural world with open arms and jovial hand claps, nothing else seems to matter in this song. The care-free energy in this track makes listeners want their own “Ruby,” to make themselves feel better. If we can all “see the mountains touch the sky,” then life would not be so scary and as human beings, we can all learn to appreciate the beauty that is all around us. The lead singer of Dylan Trees maybe on to something; something pure that is not found in today’s mainstream music.
In terms of pure sound, “Long Night’s Journey,” draws the spirit of a cowboy. The harmonica kicks into the beginning of the track and Dylan Trees reveal their country-side. This is an unexpected transition considering their dedication to an atmospheric dream-like state with the previous songs. All of a sudden, Simon saddles up with a song that belongs in a western film. After swaying back and forth, our British hero snaps out of it two minutes into the track. A carnival comes into town and steals away the harmonica. Think “For the Benefit of Mr. Kite” and replace John Lennon with Jeremy Simon. The dramatic switch is executed with such precision that it really shows Dylan Trees attempt to branch out (pardon the pun) and experiment a little.
The title track, “Charlie Horse,” does a lot of experimentation as well. Hearing the acoustic guitar, chanting and banging cymbals add their own unique flavor to this danceable tune. There is an undeniable build-up in this song as Simon clearly states embarking on a journey with the lyrics. While some can take it as an actual trip or a drug-induced escape, Simon’s reassuring voice states: “Charlie Horse will finish the course.” It is all up for interpretation because a “Charlie horse” literally means a leg or foot cramp. Without a doubt, one can justify feeling something after this song and in the end; Dylan Trees makes a bold statement.
Put aside the musical influences ranging from psychedelic British folk-rock to American bluegrass because Dylan Trees’ EP album, “Charlie Horse” is a far cry from being a one-trick pony in the folk-rock scene. When it all comes down to it, Jeremy Simon really embraces a refreshing sound all his own.
-Gail Navarro