The Belly Up Aspen

For the first time in almost a decade, brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith grace the cover of a Dawes record. It’s just the two of them this time, and as such, Oh Brother marks a distinctive new chapter for the California rock band — one that is both introspective and accessible, all while maintaining their beloved sense of sincerity.

 Oh Brother steers Dawes decidedly forward, honoring 15 years of Taylor and Griffin’s musical relationship, as well as the next era of their band. Each of the nine songs began with just Taylor on guitar and vocals and Griffin on drums. They initially tracked each one live together, before adding in additional instrumentation and collaborating with touring guitarist Trevor Menear in the studio. Additionally, Oh Brother is the first record the brothers have co-produced, working alongside longtime friend Mike Viola.

At this point in the Goldsmith’s career, Dawes has cemented itself as one of the most earnest, no-bullshit musical acts out there. They’re a band that can move seamlessly between folk rock, piano ballads, and sprawling jams while maintaining both an immediately recognizable sound and a freedom from expectations. Even as the Goldsmith brothers navigates new chapters in their personal and professional lives, Oh Brother shows how they remaine creative ambitious, and inspired — what it means to be lifers in a band together.

Sam Weber is a Portland-based songwriter whose reputation precedes him. If you haven’t seen him in your town on one of his many extended tours, you might have seen his name on marquees beside Bahamas and Feist or in liner notes as a songwriter on the next Madison Cunningham record. His songcraft is only rivaled by his musicianship, both of which are disciplined enough to stun and feel effortless. He’s well-practiced at his trade, touring solo or with an ensemble domestically and abroad since 2013. His relentless output — now counting seven full length records in his discography — has led to an examination of human existence, eternal in a fragmenting modern world. His latest LP, Shape Confused Cowboy Be You pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a songwriter in the 21st century. He is a Scorpio.