Tom Davies - Dollar Short

Tom Davies

Dollar Short
​self-released; 2022

3.9 out of 5 

By Jay Freeman

Tom Davies is a songwriter from Perth, Western Australia – Dollar Short is his follow up album to North Street, which was released mid 2021. It has a much darker presence than Davies’ debut. The first half of the album explores the struggles of getting over a fractured relationship, mental health struggles, unhealthy coping mechanisms and self-destructive behavior. The dark half of the album culminates with “Flesh and Bones,” the most intimate song on the album. What comes after this is a turning point in the overall story as the protagonist chooses to focus on positivity and falls into a new healthy relationship. Sonically, it is a mix of indie rock, stripped back acoustic songwriter music and some elements of folk and country, too. The album was recorded and mixed at the artist’s home in Perth in a very basic home studio.

The final mixes were then sent to Forensic Audio for mastering. Some of the equipment Davies used on the album include the Cole Clark Fat Lady 1, Epiphone guitar (inspired by Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's), MIJ Fender Telecaster bass, Squier P bass amps, and Vox AC15 drums (programmed with EZdrummer2). All of Davies’ releases are entirely independently created and released and his aim for the future, is to keep writing, recording and releasing as much music as he can, as often as he can.

The opening “Four Seasons” starts with a smokey, rugged, indie folk-rock style. Davies’ sound production is clean and crisp, and his instrumentation is sparse on this tune, but very well done. “Hollow” begins with quiet acoustic plucking and then a full band sounds come in – drums, bass and an electric guitar. I especially liked the sound of his electric on this tune as well as the additional tambourine playing. Next is “Fall” and it features a more upbeat style, indie pop-rock I would say. With more electric guitar action – one of which is distorted, this song makes me think of such artists like Jackson Browne. “Yesterday’s Wine” has a brighter sound with a country rock, jangly guitar presence. This one kind of reminds me of The Jayhawks. I liked this one quite a bit and I think it would make for a good single to be played on the radio. “Too Late” is arranged somewhat like a waltz, although it doesn’t sound like what a traditional waltz would sound like. At any rate, it’s a slower acoustic number, showcasing lots of good acoustic strumming, warm bass lines and a beautiful melody.

“Something to Hold” is another slower paced song, featuring great acoustic sound and heartfelt lyrics. Davies’ voice is very good on this number, as well as his acoustic solo playing – a lot of emotion within this track for sure. Next up is the album’s title track, “Dollar Short.” I wasn’t expecting what I heard next. A full-blown rock and roller, that I wished had gone on for more than barely a minute. I was immediately reminded of Morrissey’s solo work with this track, and I absolutely loved it! “Flesh and Bones” begins with the musician setting up to play. A few moments later, a somber electric begins to play, the singer sings, and the feeling is raw and emotional. Davies at his most vulnerable.

“Last Time” features a deep, thumping beat, echoing guitar chords and an overall edgy tension. Parts of it reminded me of Billy Bragg, but perhaps more than that crooner, Davies’ guitar sound and drum rhythms reminded me of the old classic rock of the ‘50s, for example rockabilly. Great song! “Moving On” is another track that features a bright electric guitar and Davies pouring his heart out. I thought this track had a hopeful spirit to it, but there’s also some melancholy and sadness too, as Davies sings about “moving on from you.” “Southern Sky” has a spacious, open country feel to it – as if you’re on the open road, it’s a fresh new day and you’re about to begin a new journey in life. A positive, uplifting song in my view. “Call You Mine” is another great song, featuring a style that’s part rock n’ roll, part jangly pop. I think this would make for another great radio single and would recommend listening to it. “Gunfight” begins with a single acoustic, then another is mixed in with a dry drumbeat. The highlight for me, were the effects washing over Davies’ voice on the solo part of the song as well as the song’s chilling ending. Very captivating and it gave the song a mysterious, sensual appeal. To complete the first half of the old phrase, “A dollar short….” Is the album’s last track, “Day Late.” This song is another instrumental and sounds much like its counterpart but only during the first half. The second half features the sound of someone’s footsteps walking outside, dishes being washed, and then some measures being played to the album’s first track, “Four Seasons.” 

​Overall, I thought Tom Davies’ follow up, Dollar Short, was exceptionally good, although I have to say I haven’t listened to his debut yet. There are a lot of great sounding songs here, a good mix of everything I would say, and a few that really stood out for me.

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