Second dam - swimming

Second Dam

Swimming
self-released; 2013

4.1 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Within the first thirty seconds or so of hearing The Second Dam’s exceptional debut I knew I was hooked. It had such an energetic, lively feel to it that I find it hard pressed to think that people wouldn’t enjoy this. The Second Dam is a group of artists coming from all over the US to have fate bring them together at Ithaca College in New York to create splendid music. The music blends absolutely stellar violin/cello work with precise drumming that plays in the pocket with the bass, intricate guitar work and the commanding, soaring voice of K.C. Weston. The music feels recognizable but utterly original, as it’s hard to pin down a specific genre. You hear traces of indie rock, soul, even dance that when combined give the sweetness of the Second Dam.

The first song on the album “Rant” may have my nomination for song of the year. The song starts out with some delicate string work as the drummer holds the time with the ride cymbal before the band kicks into full swing. Oh and when they do  you may want to be in a private place cause you will probably get out of your seat and start jiving. Hey I’m all for it but your co-workers might think you're weird. The second song, “Mild, Medium, Hot,” continues to display the talent within the group. A song that starts off a bit slower but eventually becomes kinetic as the drum work alone provides enough energy to find a grove. They continue to knock them out of the park with “Pangs” which although it possesses a rather fast BPM has some of the most soulful singing on the album. When that combines with gorgeous harmonies around the 2:30 mark, it makes one of the standouts on the album. 

The album continues with not a single dud from the knee slapping “The SS” to the grandiose “Brick by Brick.” Bottom line with this album is that you should already be listening to it because it is one of the funnest, pure energy type albums I have heard in a while.

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