By Lisa Burke
The punk-infused hard rock antics of Los Angeles-based The dramedy continue to turn ears wherever they go as they have just released a second limited edition cassette titled ‘What time is life?’ with a total of 150 copies while the supplies last, and they are obtainable for purchase through Wiener Records. The dramedy comprises of only two members Dave Davids and Abby Vester. Dave masterminds all guitar, vocals, lyrics and cover art while Abby fuses it all together with her old-school garage punk style hard-hitting drumming. This is one of those musical groups that can create a complete sound without the live addition of bass or other instrumentation into the mix and still comes out on top in creativity and style. After viewing them live and listening to their previously released double A-side cassette single featuring ‘Not The Only One’ and ‘Ring For Two’ complete with three live downloads, one of which, titled ‘Rejection Piece’, is the first track on this new cassette, and adding two more songs to the mix on this release, it is clear these two are an emerging talent and ready to reach the next level.
I responded very positively to all three tracks and what’s unique is that the well-mixed sound still carries that raw vulnerable quality, in the vocals specially, which when added to the complex themes spilled into light-hearted lyrical themes creates an overall grand success.
The first track on the new cassette ‘Rejection Piece’ has a strong concept and the irony is apparent in the title, yet it’s impossible to not fall into this charming trap with its catchy guitar and creatively worded lyrics with great transitions throughout. Next up is a little track called ‘Little Lies’ that expresses a typical struggle of life represented through an array of catchy guitar jams with the layering of heartfelt lyrics and the composition here shines through to the end. My favorite and final track is called ‘What Time is Life?’ and it’s a really beautiful ballad primarily on piano, and a metronome clock sound and some maturely enchanting serene vocals presented with perfect levels, and of course the song ends where it starts which further enhances the point of the circular thought pattern and perhaps the circle of life. Although no one can actually tell you what time is life I can tell you this song will still help ease your anxiety on the subject.
I must also suggest you go see The dramedy as a live band because you can truly appreciate the talent and see the dynamic of these two on stage. On a final note, I will encourage you to grab a copy of the latest cassette ‘What time is life?’ while it lasts, as I mentioned above they are only issuing out 150 copies at the moment which are available on the Wiener Records website, Burger Record Store, Gnarburger Record Store, and wherever else Wiener/Burger Records releases are sold and don’t forget to catch them at their upcoming shows in and around Los Angeles.
Release Date: April 20th 2016
Track Listing:
01. Rejection Piece
02. Little Lies
03. What Time Is Life?
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