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The DeSotos - TheDeSotos: Cross Your Heart (Ode)

16 Sep 2008 // A review by narleykiwi
Graeme Reid; writer for www.elsewhere.co.nz (August 200Cool

If CDs are dead as we keep being told you do wonder why people not only keep making them, but also why record companies put so much effort into their expensive packaging -- like this from an Auckland-based band which shaves off a generous slice of Americana country rock (a mighty crowded genre) and wrap it up in an attractive package with a lyric sheet.

Well, I guess Ode heard these crisp, memorable, wide-screen country-rock songs -- like the Warratahs with more kick and menace in places -- and figured it was worth the effort. And I agree.

These songs immediately grab attention for their twang and jangle or heartfelt sentiment, the strength of the songwriting within the four-piece (either individual compositions or the writers in various combinations) and the spiritual connections to the Springsteen/Petty/Neil Young axis - although in a couple places the connections may be a bit too close for comfort or originality.

Crisply produced by Steve Garden in his small home studio these songs have an emotional and sometimes almost palpably physical expansiveness that leap out of your stereo -- and incidentally sound tailor-made for long drives.

Solid and crafted country-rock that in a more open-minded radio climate would be all over the local airwaves.
 

About The DeSotos

The DeSotos have cemented their place as New Zealand's leading exponents of the Americana / country blues genres following the release of two albums that have been universally embraced by the critics.

2008's “Cross Your Heart” was voted Manu Taylor's no 1 New Zealand album of the year, and the 2011 album, “Your Highway For Tonight” is receiving glowing 4 star reviews nationally.

Both albums have supplied the theme and continuity music to the TVNZ South and North series presented by Marcus Lush.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for The DeSotos

Releases

Shadow of Love
Year: 2017
Type: Album
Your Highway For Tonight
Year: 2011
Type: Album
Cross Your Heart
Year: 2008
Type: Album

Other Reviews By narleykiwi

The DeSotos - Cross Your Heart
16 Sep 2008 // by narleykiwi
Graham Reid (NZ Herald Time Out) Named after the classic car (and not presumably the explorer) this Auckland-based outfit peel off a substantial slice of professionally delivered, wide-screen country-rock which owes much to the Petty/Springsteen/Neil Young and Travelling Wilburys axis, and mostly kicks things up a notch from the Warratahs. With a couple of writers in their ranks there is also a pleasing diversity here, although sometimes they reference their influences just a little too much for any accusations of originality to be thrown.
Read More...
The DeSotos - Steve Scott - Waikato Times (House and Lifestyle, August 2008)
16 Sep 2008 // by narleykiwi
Every once in a while, an album arrives and instantly commands your attention. Auckland band, The DeSotos is such a band.
Read More...
View All Articles By narleykiwi

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