The perception of rock n roll is largely rooted in its attitude and impact. It can be hard to escape, as even the most prolific indie crooners have been known to dive into the harder side of the rock sound. While the band A Doll’s House out of L.A. certainly rocks, their latest album “Annum” proves that their flavor of “chill rock” is worth checking out.
“And Time” begins the album with a whimsical sparkle-sound before the drums break it down and pave the way for the rest of the instrumentals. The drums pop with life and prop up a groovy bass that drives the track forward. The guitars are free-wheeling and playful, adding memorable riffs both heavy and airy that leads into a sweet guitar solo around the 2-minute mark that brings them all together. “And Time” gives “Annum” a strong start.
The first track is followed up by the first single on the album, “Hey, Wait.” The ethereal guitar riff that leads the listener in is flanked by a deep bass and a slow, plodding drum track. The low-key percussion rumbles with the occasional pop to inject life into the track, with the deep bass keeping up a sinister groove. The airy guitars and ethereal vocals of David Santos seem to dance with one another, with a guitar solo around the 2:20-mark that sees it grooving to the bassline to create a sound that begs the listener to groove to it. It sets off a chain reaction that creates a feeling as if the track has brightened up or bloomed in spite of somber lyrics such as “day after day, a love sits quiet. Day after day, a love so still.” After just one listen, it’s easy to see why “Hey, Wait” is the first single off the album.
“Change Your Mind” is another stand-out track that begins with a smooth guitar groove that eases you into the track. The drums lead the way on the track, with their power being a subtle marching on with the pops of the snare. The smooth guitar never stops but never pushes itself forward and lets the bass lay down a groove that you could move to. David Santos’ vocal performance feels raw on this track, with lines such as “I thought that it could change, try to make a clearer way, but the words I hear you say. I don’t think that it can change” are packed with emotion and hit hard on this track. With a catchy chorus and some infectious guitar riffs, “Change Your Mind” is a contemplative track that you won’t want to miss.
“Steps to Summer” is a track whose personality comes forward from the top. The sunny sounds of the stringy guitars are front and center to create a pleasant atmosphere that’s easy to get lost in. The catchy riffs will keep your head moving while the percussion keeps it all grounded. The guitars and vocals are front and center on this track, with David Santos rising to the occasion on this track with some powerful lines such as “step through the garden path. Unlock the gate, yeah!” The uplifting power of Santos’ voice brings this upbeat track to the stars and with a lively sound that feels great to relax to.
“Annum” is an album that keeps you listening from start to finish. Tracks such as “Hey, Wait” and “Steps To Summer” are perfect examples of the “chill rock” the band prides themselves on. Other tracks such as “Over Easy” deliver on the heavier rock sounds that fans are familiar with, but the combination of these aesthetics and how they flow from track to track is impressive and buttery smooth right until the end. “Annum” is an album that any rock fan will enjoy, but is the perfect album to turn on while you’re kicking back.
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