Wammer's Album Club 2019 #3 , DENNIS - Open Your Eyes

[Sumdumgi]

DENNIS - a local band to me who write and perform what they describe as ‘pit pop rock’. The band does feature traditional guitar, bass, keyboards and drums but members of the band include players from local brass bands. Formed 7 or 8 years ago they enjoyed some limited success with EPs and this is their first album release from 2016. A new album is in the pipeline.

They have a very good reputation for live performances and were at Glastonbury a couple of years ago. I’ve seen them a good few times, they are very supportive of local causes and very much identify with their local roots and community which is located within the old Durham Coalfield (and the area were the hit film ‘Billy Elliott” was centred).


The short EPs are on Spotify too. Hope you enjoy.

This track is actually on The Caroline EP but I love the video

 

[insider9]

Just had a listen and after the first track or two I wasn't that impressed but I persevered. It did get better and I must say I've enjoyed it. Standout tracks My Son and Hometown.

I will have a good few more listens but it won't be any higher than 3/5 for me. Decent and definitely worth checking out the band and if possible seeing them live. Thanks for posting. 

 

[ian917]

Initial impressions are that it sounds a bit like a sub-par Housemartins. It's not bad but not really doing it for me. I will give it another listen though.

 

[Bazzer]

Housemartins

Snap although Beautiful South came to mind , must be a Paul Heaton sound-a-like .

 

[oldius]

I like a bit of jaunty pop and this reminded me of the Lightning Seeds. 

 

[occasional thinker]

Like the video too (both tune and visuals), but the album just sounds blander. Less use of / prominence of horns, less bouncy. Not sure if it's the songs or the production, but the album doesn't do it for me. Will check out the EPs, but wouldn't buy the album.

I imagine that they would be very good live, as are many local bands who just don't make it big time.

Edit, later:  yes, the EPs seem to have more raw energy. I like The Caroline in particular.

 

[Amormusic]

I’ve given it a go but it’s not really for me this one. 

3/5 for me.

Thanks for recommendation though. 

 

[StingRay]

Yes similar to Housemartins/Beautiful South, not really for me but I'm not a fan of those groups anyway, so 2/5.

 

[Bazzer]

I can well imagine they are great live very listenable even when you don't know the songs , I've played the title track several times it's very good . 3/5

 

[ian917]

Pleasant enough to listen to but not really engaging. I find the vocals a bit weak. Just about reached a 3/5 grade.