Album Review – Lightning Kid By Dharmasoul

By Scott Bampton

Due out on June 1st, Lightning Kid is the new album from New Jersey duo, Dharmasoul. To be released on their own Dharmasoul imprint, Lightning Kid encompasses equal parts rock, blues, and R&B in a stunning eclectic record.

Drawing influences from a wide range of genres and eras, Dharmasoul owes Lightning Kid’s beefy sound to more than just its two core members; the extended studio band adds a baffling array of layers to the solid foundation laid down by drummer Kevin Clifford and guitarist/vocalist Jonah Tolchin (the band’s only two permanent members). For instance, right from opening track “Chosen One,” bass player Matthew Murphy showcases the extent of his wide-ranging abilities, immediately adding his own unique, spicy low-end flavor. Similarly, four other studio musicians bring their own flair to each track on the record; keys player Brendan Moore takes the melodic lead on the Black Keys-inspired “Love Again.” With its retro ‘70s rock feel, the track’s sweeping keys perfectly complement Tolchin’s rhythmic guitar playing.

Meanwhile, modern blues-rock-inspired track, “Taste So Sweet” unravels the finest fibres of John Butler Trio and T-Rex and weaves them back together into an entirely new stylistic patchwork. Guitarist, Tolchin lashes out a meandering solo on his steampunk-inspired guitar, while Clifford alternates between battering and gently tickling his drums. It creates an oddly satisfying stop-start effect.

Vocally, Tolchin brings a throaty roar to the record, demonstrating the chops that saw him share stages with the likes of Greg Allman and Justin Townes Earle in his earlier career. And his lyrics are similarly deep and hearty, perhaps best exemplified by the gospel-esque “Bless Your Children.” With its hymn-like lyrics, it’s this track that may have you thinking you’ve finally got the genre-tricksters all figured out. Clean, raking guitars and soulful backing vocals – courtesy of Cindy Walker and Marie Lewey – keep affairs tightly fixed around the Southern church vibe. That’s until a Latin-inspired keys solo and lyrical change-of-gear swoop out of the rafters to shake the congregation to its core.

 
In a similar unexpected fashion, the forlorn groans of Laurence Scudder’s viola pop up at various points on the record – always at just the right time to add yet more thickness to the mix. It’s a testament to the songwriting skills of Tolchin and Clifford, and makes the fact that the album was self-produced (with some help from studio engineer Pete Weiss) all the more remarkable.

Conversely, instrumental number “Vulgar” serves as a valuable tutorial to all budding musicians – self-restraint 101. With the studio musicians leaving plenty of elbow room on the track for each other, the song benefits from a funky sparseness that demonstrates just how mature and unique the band’s sound is. It’s therefore not all that surprising – but mightily impressive – to read that the entire record was recorded “live,” with the studio musicians all recording together at the same time with minimal use of overdubs.

Having met as teenagers before going down separate musical paths, Tolchin and Clifford’s coming together on Lightning Kid has the effect of reaching through the speakers and pulling you right into their story. Perhaps it’s down to their close personal friendship, but Dharmasoul is a talented duo that shares an unusually deep musical connection and a bright future. As a debut offering, Lightning Kid is a wonderful, original and skilful effort from the relative newcomers.

For more information about Dharmasoul:

Website

To Pre-order Lightning Kid

Apple iTunes