dexter jones
Reviewed by: Dorothy Pawlowski
Published: 3 September 2010
single: dcf/semolina
DCF/ Semolina is a 2-track CD single from Adelaide 4 piece outfit Dexter Jones. As such it comes in understated packaging, just a cardboard sheath with the song titles, production credits and some nicely minimal paint splatter and logo design.
A single is a slice of history really, a moment in the development of a band or a sound. Some singles stand alone because the songs are so great that they make their own place in the universe and tower over the world even in a plain paper sleeve. Other singles have an underlying purpose, being more in the line of tactical exercises by bands trying to carve out for themselves a small comfortable niche in the vicious jungle of the music biz. I think this may be an example of the latter, like a branding campaign, a bit of market research.
Dexter Jones want us to remember their songs which are as obviously stylised and memorable as the “DJ” logo emblazoned so boldly on the cover, not a bad thing at all. This comes across as a commercial release, it’s well produced and executed, it’s catchy and driving, it has hooks!
“DCF” is an art-school rhythmically throbbing number, reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand or their ilk, in turn reminiscent of more historic bands The Fall or Gang Of Four. The Dexter Jones version is urbane, the song-writing appears careful in its construction and the execution slick.
Track 2 “Semolina” is rockier maybe, still definitely in the “indie” mould but probably a little less geek and a bit more jock, like cool-footballer stuff. Once again it’s well played, production is big (just listen to that gated snare), you can dance to it and it sticks in your head; hear it two or three times on the radio and you’ll probably be humming along without even realising.
The intention of a CD review should be to determine what the authors set out to do, and make an assessment as to whether they succeeded. My interpretation of Dexter Jones’ interpretation of this genre is that they’ve succeeded admirably; two catchy, hooky, well played well produced current sounding pop rock tracks that will definitely stick in the minds of the punters and ensure that their brand gets its space on the shelf.
