Florida-native Dikembe have done their research on the meaning of the word ‘progression’. Their 2012 debut ‘Broad Shoulders‘ was a fine record; a collection of angry, emo-esque indie tracks such as ‘Apology Not Fucking Accepted‘ and ‘I’m Gonna Deck Your Halls, Bub!‘ showing that this is a band who have found their calling and like what they do. But ‘fine’ is exactly what it was. But with their new album ‘Mediumship‘, the boys have clearly sat down to work out their winning formula.
Upon a primary glancing listen, this is a record straight out of the Brand New playbook – vocalist Steven Gray often doing a near-perfect impression of Jesse Lacey and their ostensibly cheery but ultimately brooding sound is something plucked straight from ‘Deja Entendu‘. But for all the similarities (of which there are several) there is no denying that Dikembe are here of their own volition and they will embed themselves deep into your consciousness.
‘Even Bother‘ eases us into the album: a plucked and intimate intro bursts into a plucky explosion of aural colours, with the guitar, drums and bass marching valiantly on, under the lead of Gray’s commanding vocals. ‘Hood Rat Messiah‘ bring proceedings down a level with an entirely endearing and atmospheric demeanor that will haunt you for the rest of your day.
Later, ‘Pelican Fly‘ injects more of that fun element that ran rampant on their debut release as teetering lead guitar and swirling feedback battle for prominence in a war in which both parts are peculiarly victors just for taking part. It’s a triumphant foray which is more than worthy of it’s own wider release and a must listen for anybody who is curious about Dikembe.
‘Las Vegas Weather‘ and ‘Snakes In My Path‘ are perhaps two of the clearest examples of the influence of Brand New, tracks which could have fit in perfectly with ‘Daisy‘ and ‘The Devil and God…‘ respectively, not that that is in any way, shape or form a bad thing, but it does mean that in comparison to the likes of ‘24 Karats‘ and ‘Gets Harder‘, it is more difficult to appreciate Dikembe for their own musical prowess.
Album closer ‘Throw Lips‘ is an oxymoron within itself – one of those rare tracks which sound both understated, yet totally epic at the same time and ultimately stitching this album up in a vastly impressive and incredibly likable little package that you will revisit time and time again.
For all the similarities to Brand New, Dikembe ultimately prove that they can hold their own. There is enough definitive and distinguishing content here for them to make a credible case toward being one of the next key players in the emo/indie scene. ‘Mediumship‘ not only shows great strength in terms of the band finding their formula, but it is also testament to how much a band can progress in a short amount of time if they just knuckle down and hone in on what makes them tick. Ultimately though, ‘Mediumship’ is a stellar rock record, and a must listen for any indie rock fan.
