ROB TONSICK

April 17, 2008

Getting a Taste
A Review of Nick Dixon’s Myspace Music
By Meijin Bruttomesso

Although not officially released, the four tracks featured on Nick Dixon’s Myspace page showcase promising talent and create a clamor for an EP or full-length release. Comprised of Rob Tonisck (vocals/guitar), Jake Drake (bass), Raj Pillai (guitar/background vocals), and Paxton Pryor (drums/background vocals), Nick Dixon, who have performed at the Viper Room, Silverlake Lounge, and Safari Sam's, collaborate to produce music that channels soulful styles and a classic rock vibe without sounding derivative.

“In the Hotel” introduces Nick Dixon’s sultry groove. Staccato guitar chords rise and fall and mesh with hammering rhythms as Tonsick’s distinct bluesy voice completes the retro-rock package. Although the tune follows this structured pattern, the chorus opens into a seductively swinging swagger and short guitar solo, a genuine rock song feature for which listeners have grown nostalgic. “Hello,” the band’s newest add, launches immediately into fervent vocals that are intensified by pounding beats. This tense track sustains its high energy, as calls of “Hello!” are answered by falsetto “Ooh ooh!’s” As these exclamations and responses repeat, the underlying drive accelerates, then suddenly stops on an upbeat, leaving listeners suspended and surprised. A swell of guitar feedback launches “Red Coat” as the third selection jumps into a syncopated beat with heavy snare that is counterbalanced by quickly paced guitar chords, generating a sense of urgency. Its tempo decelerates into a swaying guitar solo with sensual bends, slides, and distortion, displaying the band’s authentic rock ‘n’ roll roots. Although any of the four could stand on its own, of the posted tracks, “Love City Bar” demonstrates the most potential as a single, and seems to be a favorite among Myspacers. The addictive guitar lick repeats over grooving bass lines, and a danceable beat makes the song all-the-more likable. Jazzy lead vocals meld with upper register background “Ooh’s” and crescendo into edgy harmonies that ringing guitars amplify. After a thorough sampling, visitors will discover that each song is worthy of multiple playbacks, and may have difficulty deciding which to add to his/her Myspace page.

Nick Dixon have taken the best qualities of their influences and inspirations to fashion their own solid, high-quality, and personable rock ‘n’ roll, a spirited sound that the Indie music scene will gladly welcome and classic rock enthusiasts will applaud. The band is currently crafting new material in the studio. As friends/fans await Nick Dixon’s reemergence, they can log onto www.myspace.com/nickdixonmusic for upcoming shows, photos, music updates, shared feedback, and song downloads.

Story by Meijin Bruttomesso - All Access Magazine online