‘To The River’ by Dorsten is a Refreshing New Take on Stomp ‘N Holler Music
Artist: Dorsten EP: To The River Genre: Americana, Folk Rock, Folk Pop Release Date: March 29th, 2024
Award-winning brother and sister duo, Dorsten, gift us with "To The River," an EP that presents a stirring collection of tracks that beautifully capture the essence of their Phoenix roots. Led by Sophie's captivating vocals, which echo the soulful tones of Florence Welch, the EP seamlessly blends folk-inspired melodies with atmospheric instrumentation.
The titular opening track, "To The River," serves as a powerful anthem, evoking images of vast open landscapes and wilderness adventures. Sophie's vocals soar above the haunting instrumentation, which draws inspiration from traditional country music and early Mumford and Sons vibes. “We wrote the song about deception, and how the internet changes our view of everyone and everything. It’s a song about coming together to drown out that deceiving noise” says Dorsten of the home-brewed title track.
"Losing It" showcases Sophie's dynamic range, with soft falsetto moments juxtaposed against belting vocals. The song's steady beat paves the way for another anthemic experience, creating a compelling contrast that keeps listeners engaged. "Chewing Gum" starts softly with acoustic guitar-led introspection before bursting into a lively party atmosphere. The lyrics invite interpretation, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences while enjoying the infectious energy of the music. Analyzing them here would only water them down, and we recommend reading them as you listen to figure out what they mean for you, and who they’re about
"My Sweetheart" delivers a joyous love song, complete with infectious rhythms that beckon listeners to the dance floor. The song would sit right at home with the clunking of boots on hard wood floors. Meanwhile, “Vernazza,” their foray into the wide world of 6/8 ballads sits among the best of them. Imagine your arm around someone special, swaying and enjoying musings of lost youth. Sometimes yearning for the past feels as warm and safe as it does nostalgic and bittersweet. This song exemplifies that feeling like a warm hug. “Sophie went to Vernazza, Italy in November 2021 and was inspired by the town and its beauty. It was a place that felt peaceful and calm, like a safe place. In the song she talks about this place like where those worries of self doubt won't get to us,” Dorsten says.
Dorsten's unique chemistry shines throughout the EP, offering a fresh take on folk-inspired indie rock. Don’t write them off as another stomp ‘n holler band. They’re taking the instrumentation of The Lumineers and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes and giving it a modern, unique flair. Sophie's emotive vocals complement Alex's skilled instrumentation, resulting in a sound that feels both familiar and innovative. Dorsten is poised to make a lasting impression on the music scene. Keep an eye on them as they continue to evolve and captivate audiences with their distinctive sound.
Lyrical Analysis: The River: "River" (14 times), "Gather" (5 times), "Wither" (3 times)
Loss/Losing: "Lost" (9 times), "Losing" (12 times)
Inner Turmoil/Reflection: "Breathing/Breath" (3 times), "Enough" (2 times), "Off" (2 times), "Alone" (2 times)
Relationships: "You" (15 times) “She” (35 times)
Escape/Travel: "Town" (2 times), “Highway” (1 time)
Check them out on socials:https://dorstenmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/dorstenmusic
https://twitter.com/dorstenmusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CdWY3kUKjlO7gDpdW2JXR?si=HfvAPRfrR5SlRh8lFVXfKQ
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ1HXeaHMhufukZkjYNLE0g
https://www.instagram.com/dorstenmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@dorstenmusic
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“To The River” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA - Best New MusicWe discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
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