Dryer

Female/male indie groups generally tend to fall into one of two categories. Either they lean towards the synth pop (Mates Of State), or they like the bluesy garage (The White Stripes). With their new album, Out Like a Light, Montrealers Dryer rewrite that rule.

The duo comprised of Peggy Messing and Dave Maurakis bring us something completely different with their swirling, dreamy pop. Backed by drum loops and keyboards, the pair who are in the process of relocating to Toronto, build a world of soundscapes somewhere between Rose Chronicles and Delerium.

Dryer demonstrates the ability to excel at both the delicate and the aggressive, as can be heard on the twinkling "Seen Enough" and the fierce "Takeover". Bursts of rumbling, foreboding drums hammer the point home on "Fast".

Things come to an apex with "Sick of It". The track manages to walk a very fine line by being intense at it's core without sacrificing any of it's delicate fringes.

Vocally, Messing can at times sound very reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan. For those most part though, she makes far better use of her vocal range and power than the Lilith founder has at any point in the last twenty years. The singing turns otherwise ho-hum tracks like "Bad Thing" into enchanters.

Out Like a Light is not a perfect record though. At times the arrangements are a little too thin to go with an atmosphere that begs for something grand. If they can add some bigger production and texture they will truly be on to something here.

Best tracks: "Sick of It", "Bad Thing" - SnobsMusic.net

I get a lot of submissions from independent bands and artists who want me to review their music. And a lot of their work is impressive. But very rarely have I heard anyone who makes me say, “This is big label-level talent.” Dryer is a two person band from Canada, and their new album Out Like A Light is the best indie album I’ve heard since I started this blog.

First off, their sound has this strange, mysterious beauty to it. Dave Maurakis’ instrumentals are tight and polished, and the arrangements often take you in directions you didn’t expect to go in, but that you’re ultimately glad you did. When I listen to music, I usually know what kind of mood it’s putting me in. But with Out Like A Light, I really can’t put my finger on it, and I like that.

Which brings me to the vocals - for most of the album, Peggy Messing kind of reminds me of Sarah McLachlan, only less sentimental and more resolute. But then on a harder and darker song like Takeover, when she starts shrieking and moaning, she sounds like one of those mythical Sirens that drove ancient sailors crazy. In other words, there’s a controlled edge to her voice that adds a unique dimension to the music.

Overall, I give Out Like A Light a 5 out of 5, good for Editor’s Pick status. I listened to the album several times over, trying to find something I didn’t like about it, but I couldn’t. Dryer is a group worth watching, and Out Like A Light is an excellent record.

Listen to samples on their MySpace page, and buy the CD off their website.

Labels: (easylistening), (indierock), (pop), (softrock), Dryer, EditorsPicks - theAlbumReviewBlog.com

Dyer
Out Like a Light
4.5/5 stars
(Indie)

SOUNDS LIKE: A promising collection of dreamy pop tunes from this Toronto duo.

Upon first listen, it seems like the debut release from Toronto's Dryer would be one of those albums that the producers of shows like Grey's Anatomy would mine for singles to use during a big dramatic scene. Indeed, "Seen Enough" was used on an episode of Bones. And it pretty much hits all the right notes, strong female vocals with subtle beats and guitars swirling just below the surface.

However, don't write the band off based on that alone because there's some truly gorgeous music on this album. Lead-off "Boat" is a beautiful, gentle piece of indie pop that provides a perfect showcase for singer Peggy Messing's amazing voice. There are a couple slight missteps when they try to take on a more agressive sound on tracks like "Sick" and "Takeover" but again, Messing's voice saves the songs from sounding completely out of place.

The production is incredibly crisp and has a live-off the floor feel that reveals the nuances of each instrument and the vocals, especially on the closer "Weakness".

Given the right push, Dryer could become huge. All the elements are in place on Out Like a Light, it just remains to see whether they'll break through. Based on the strength of this album, it's a good possibility. - SoundProofMagazine.com

By Jessica Lewis
Dryer are just one of those bands that have somehow flown under everyone's collective radar. Not placing blame on either side, but now's the time for them to be heard. The pairing of Peggy Messing and David Maurakis holds patience and power; together they've crafted songs fit for ballerinas and mixtapes or headbangers and general rocking out. The ten songs will hit you in a few places, from the sleepy sadness of "All Fall" and the loneliness of "Listen" to sudden anthems "Sick of It" and "Takeover" to the swaying of "Boat Song." Messing's vocals are gorgeous and silky, fluttering with her keyboards, blanketed in Maurakis's guitar and percussion arrangements. This former Montreal duo with a tame band name are going up; if only falling stars could be reversed, this would fit. Put them up there with Young Galaxy and You Say Party.
(Independent) - Exclaim.ca