Dabble

Dabble
II EP
self-released
The Southern California indie psych-pop five-piece known as Dabble released their self-titled debut EP one year ago this month and they’re already back with another six track album simply titled II, available now on CD and digital download. The washed-out, dreamy vocals are faded over catchy bass lines and layered over fuzzy guitar riffs, Vox keyboard melodies, and upbeat drums. Their vocal style is very distinctive in that it has the effect of making the instrumentation stand out amongst the droning haze. The psychedelic influence is prominent but that’s not to say that it’s their most defining influence: the Vox keyboard does a lot to give them a more refined quality and it’s refreshing to hear how they’re able to break away from the typical lo-fi, psych-garage sound that’s become so popular these days. All these elements combine to produce an ambient energy that is easy to zone out and get lost in. “This Nightlife” kicks it off with a quick tempo back beat, heavy bass and smooth progressions. Another favorite is the final track on the EP, “Robin’s Dream Sequence,” which really highlights the band’s musical abilities. It starts off on a mellow vibe and takes you through a full range of build-ups and come downs. All in all I’d recommend this album to anyone who is down to hear psych taken in a direction that’s a bit smoother, and a bit more finely crafted, with some extra attention to song construction and musicianship.
—Desi Ambrozak - Desi Ambrozak