Track of the Day: Dawks – Right Place/Wrong Time (2023)
When singer-songwriter Luke Dawkins began recording melodies at home, little did he know where it would lead. One of the most exciting up-and-coming indie-rock acts of this year, UK-based Dawks is turning heads far beyond his British borders. From airtime on Amazing Radio, BBC Radio 6 to Bishop FM’s Artist of the Week, and critical acclaim from international publications, the 25-year-old musician is intoxicating listeners here, there and everywhere. He also brings his natural talent to audiences across the UK performing at Stockton Calling Music Festival, Tall Ships Festival and an upcoming slot on The Gathering Sounds Festival. Come with us as we look at the latest addition to his repertoire, ‘Right Time/Wrong Place’.
Brushing a shine on old songs he wrote about ten years ago, Dawks turns his earlier tunes into indie-rock gems. On the heels of his singles ‘Be Someone’ and ‘Champagne’, ‘Right Place/Wrong Time’ is his third release in 2023 – in fact, it is his third single overall (at least according to Spotify). As with his previous material, ‘Right Place/Wrong Time’ retains the energy of Dawks but has a softer, more soothing tone floating through the melody.
Inspired by Foo Fighters and Smashing Pumpkins, Dawks introduces raw rock into his tunes but with a bit of a suave twist. In ‘Right Place/Wrong Time’, a kaleidoscopic flood of crashing guitars and drums sweeps across in the well-textured arrangement. Instantaneously, Dawks makes his stand with a powerful “let’s throw everything at them” opening, not those ones that lead in with this instrument, then that one to come together gradually. Nope, Dawks stamps a signature indie-rock, um, stamp from the get-go. This forthright manner might seem abrupt, but it is oddly tender and opens the gates to a mellifluous melody.
Dawks is an artist that does not merely play a tune to listen and enjoy. When it comes to Dawks, you feel each moment with a soul-stirring intensity. In ‘Right Place/Wrong Time’, you are set adrift on a shimmering sonic lake with glittering lights floating by. As you continue sailing, warm vocals match dynamic instrumentation, and you are sent through a veil of music pushing forward into a place of enlightenment. The sweeping rush of air holds a sincere tranquillity lifting your soul a million feet into the atmosphere.
What I find intriguing is how the poignant, pensive themes are dampening; however, a thrill of optimism lies beneath the intricate lyricism. Reminiscent of Dodgy, The Bluetones and Ash, Dawks is another rockstar in the making. I look forward to more music with great anticipation.
For more from Dawks, check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
For more indie rock gems, check out The Other Side Reviews Indie Rock playlist:
