7 Song Album
Formed in Boston in 2018 by brothers Matt and Peter DeAngelis along with their long-time friend Alasdair MaKenzie, The Golden Years of Dutch Pop is the debut self-titled album by this dynamic trio. Their mission statement says the goal of the band is to make “genre-blending rock-and-roll.” With this album, their goal has surely been met. Although all the songs share the same underlying theme of love and loss, none sound the same and none fit into any specific decade or genre.
The first song, “Hero’s Journey,” hits with its heavy electric country rock intro leading into the vocals as it shifts direction from upbeat to melancholy. Again starting a bit country and a tad rock, the next song, ‘Protagonist,’’ delivers strong vocal storytelling. “Dreams,” then takes the listener on a different journey, with atmospheric undertones and gentle easy vocals. The track is followed by the blues heavy song “To Get Over You,” and “Night Train,” reminiscent of 90s pop with lyrics that evoke visuals of a moving train across the country at night. ‘When You Were Mine” with its low slow roll intro turns into a catchy semi- upbeat tune with break away electric instrumentals. The journey ends with the over 10 minute “Losing You” with its sleepy instrumental intro that meanders into a guitar forward twangy lullaby.
Full of surprises, The Golden Years of Dutch Pop is one of those albums that stands the test of time. (Gina Tempesta)