Dilly Dally-Sore Review

Artist: Dilly Dally

Album: Sore

Label: Partisan Records

Release Date: October 9, 2015

Website: http://www.dillydallyband.com

Reviewed By: Cheyenne Heaslet

Singer and guitarist Katie Monks has said that she and bandmate Liz Ball have always had the attitude that their band, Dilly Dally, could take over the world, and after their newest effort it’s certainly believable. Their debut full length album, Sore, is brimming with attitude and a swagger that insists these childhood friends have been doing this their whole lives. Their 2014 singles, “Alexander” and “Candy Mountain” were a well received soft opening for what they could be capable of. Featuring in your face vocals as well as cranked guitar, many music fans have been eager to hear what these grunge-obsessed newcomers may finally offer up. In the meantime between releases they have rounded out their lineup to include Toronto shoegaze veterans, Jimmy Tony Billy Rowlinson of Mexican Slang and Benjamin Reinhartz from Beliefs, filling in bass and drums respectively. It’s hard to tell with so little catalog if these additions have helped the band, but if Sore is any indication of their style going forward, they have made the right decision.

The lyrical ideas Monks brings forward are as matter-of-fact and confident as the music behind her. On “Desire” she takes the vulnerable position of wanting someone badly and turns it into something empowering, understanding that those feeling of longing are raw and strong. Monk also shows this kind of insight in tracks such as the gender exploring “Snakehead”, while other songs like “Next Gold” have her reminiscing on the past, acknowledging the skeptics, and coming to terms with why she’ll always be “tied to the road”.

While Dilly Dally might be willing to talk about their influences and idols growing up, after hearing the heavy and fun opener, “Desire”, it isn’t hard to piece it together. With an amazing vocal style reminiscent of Pete Doherty and a verse that brings to mind The Pixies “Where is My Head?”, the audience they want is already swooning. On Sore, Katie Monks’ growl and the heavy low end guitar work perfectly together, but there’s also a hint of a softer side in both, giving songs the dimension an album like this needs. Tracks such as “Ballin’ Chain” work a great balance between the typical grunge and a new, less apathetic sensibility, which seems to let the genre’s revival have intention. The more introspective cuts like “Get to You” show the band’s range. “Get to You” starts as a slow burner with nudges by the drums and bass to turn it up before evolving into a fuzzy soundscape. There are also moments of some straight forward great rock. “The Touch” is a fully formed garage rocker with wonderful moments of tension and release, and “Next Gold” is a fun pixies-esque tune that makes the most of Monks’ slurred raspy vocals.

Dilly Dally has been gaining accolades among many reviewers and lovers of music alike. If they keep going at the pace they have set for themselves, they won’t be soon forgotten.