Pop rock, some have said, involves a musical cookie cutter. Like Play-Dough stars, circles and squares, sounds and lyrics squeeze out to leap onto the charts before drowning in mediocrity. Dexter Freebish's "Tripped into Divine" is no different, although vocal tendencies and beats offer a gleam of hope for these young rockers.
Following the fine tradition of Tempe's Gin Blossoms, we have a band that enthusiastic pushes VH1 1990s rock. But wait, it's 2004. Sure, it's music, but Dexter Freebish produces talent considered original 12 years ago. Nevertheless, harmonious vocals, well-tuned instruments and polished playing skills elevate Dexter Feebish above expected "local" talent.
Having slaved away at Hollister last summer, I gauged the latest whims of pop culture and noticed two big changes. Firstly, pop rock, thankfully, has ousted the remnants of boy bands. Secondly, MTV inundates listeners with emo, alternative rock and pop punk surged-rivaling rap regulars. Like waves, the massive emo/pop-punk movement, like the ska, swing and grunge fad, is bounding towards shore. Waves always crest before they crash. As for Dexter Freebish's not-too-deviant version of rock, they fit current pop-culture standards. However, local acts often have to shoehorn themselves with low-paying shows
Still, their clich quota matches their innovation. Lead vocals chew through octaves and flirt with involved drumbeats. "Tripped into Divine" opens up with "Prozak (be like me)," which is an obvious single.
Strangely, the rest of the CD is a potpourri of tempo contrasts. Deep within tracks, creative nuances of sound sprout. Unfortunately, the tenor vocals suffocate passages where innovation should gush.
But with gaudy cover art, sharp sonic hooks and MTV-appeal, Dexter Freebish has potential to explode onto the scene. How long they'd stay there, however, is subject to the caprices of Beach house countdowns.
Reach the reporter at christopher.kark@asu.edu
