Published on Jul 30, 1998
Dakota Moon is a new band with an interesting sound. I
accidentally caught their act at a J&R Music World in-store
performance while I was looking for some new CD’s. I was so
impressed by them, I bought their self-titled CD even though I had
never heard of them before I entered the store. They are a foursome
that sing smooth harmonies not unlike the R&B group Boyz II
Men, but they play acoustic guitars, bass, and percussion, and they
mix different styles of music like folk, rock, R&B and country
into a sound uniquely their own. Does the mixture of these
different styles of music work? The answer, for the most part, is
yes.
The album starts off strongly with the energetic “Another Day
Goes By.” The acoustic guitars crank up, the harmonies, led by lead
singer Ty Taylor, really soar and the rhythm section consisting of
bassist Ray Artis and percussionist Malloy provide a steady and
sure backbeat. The production here like on the rest of the album is
crisp and uncluttered. Basically, everything about this song
clicks.
They slow down on the next cut with a sweet ballad called “A
Promise I Make.” This has to be the prettiest song I’ve heard in a
long time. This is where the Boyz II Men comparison really kicks
in, if only that group could come up with a song this good. Taylor
and the rest of the band show that they can sing both ballads and
uptempo songs effectively. The next song “Violet” is another sweet
ballad just as pretty (I really can’t remember the last time I
heard two back-to-back ballads I enjoyed so much). Malloy takes a
turn on the lead vocals and does quite a good job.
Guitarist Joe Dean takes over the lead vocals for “She Knows”
(Dakota Moon is not lacking in good singing). The song starts out
at a slow tempo backed up with some soft but busy drumming from
Malloy, but then explodes into a boisterous and catchy chorus.
“Won’t Be Alone Tonight” gives us a chance to hear the foursome
sing acapella briefly before the instruments kick in. This is the
most country-ish number on the album and would not sound be out of
place on an Oak Ridge Boys or Alabama (remember them?) album.
There are a few missteps on the album: the ballads “Sing You To
Sleep” and “Black Moon Day” needed more lyrical depth to really put
them over; instead they come off a tad syrupy. “Snow In July” is a
half-hearted attempt to do a Stevie Wonder-type funk number. And
“Call On Me” is another R&B-flavored cut that also does not
quite take off. I think the problem is they haven’t successfully
worked out how to incorporate funkiness into their sound.
However, things do get back on track with “Sweet Lady Jane” a
smooth, midtempo R&B number which fits their sound much better.
They also do a rousing cover of James Taylor’s “Your Smiling Face”
giving the song some nice soulful touches. Finally, the album’s
closer is a winsome midtempo ballad appropriately titled “Til We
Meet Again.”
Dakota Moon are a talented band with a fresh sound and lots of
enthusiasm. It’s hard not to like a combination like that. Despite
a few rookie mistakes, they have created an impressive debut. Their
album is a nice light and appealing piece of work perfect for the
summer. I look forward to hearing more from them.