I rarely hear music coming out of the Northern Territory. I’m not sure whether that’s because there aren’t enough musicians up there, or because they just don’t filter down to us here in the southern states. But either way, I’m really glad I have been able to listen to one of the few bands bucking the trend, At the Dakota. This Northern Territory outfit have just released their debut EP Stories, and it’s one of the coolest recordings I’ve heard in some time.
It opens with “Peach Hat,” a summery, breezy song with rapid-fire vocals. I instantly warmed to its cool quirkiness. “Jonestown” showcases a mellower side of At the Dakota. I love its sexy blues groove. The title track “Stories” is another solid indie pop ditty, with some of the EP’s best lyrics. The EP closes with “Stumptail,” which won the People’s Choice – NT Song of the Year 2015. I can understand why. It’s got some of the most impassioned vocals on the EP, and a great sing-along chorus.
At the Dakota have a great energy, with a fantastic pop sensibility that never strays into the predictable. In just four songs they’ve won me over.
Stories is out now. To celebrate its release, At the Dakota are touring around the country next month. Catch them at the following venues.
1 October 2015 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
2 October 2015 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
3 October 2015 – Shamrock Hotel, Toowoomba
9 October 2015 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
17 October 2015 – Hotel Metropolitan, Adelaide
23 October 2015 – Four5Nine Bar, Perth
24 October 2015 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury
31 October 2015 – Epilogue Lounge, Alice Springs
13 November 2015 – Discovery Darwin, Darwin (supporting The Rubens)
Image used with permission from RISH Publicity