Album Review: DEAREST

Dearest- a term of endearment, to mean 'most loved' and indeed, Alternative Indie band "Dearest" can be your next "most loved band". With their catchy guitar riffs, led by the soulful singing of vocalist Jackie Francisco, accompanied by harmonies, Dearest brings a sound that is uniquely their own. 

Their debut self titled is a treasure trove of songs, which includes a wide variety of musical styles and execution that keeps the album both fresh and diverse, no matter how many times you listen to it. 

With ten original tracks and four B-Sides (just shows how hardworking and industrious they are) 'Dearest,' is going to be your next most played album. 

The first track is the empowering "Don't Call Me Back" which is definitely no Taylor Swift break-up-song. The catchy electric guitars showcase technical skills and a precision only skilled musicians can execute, immediately transport you to the band's world. Then Jackie Francisco starts belting out a powerful vocal range, you just have to stop and admire her control and delivery. 

As someone, who grew up singing in the choir, I always appreciate a good dose of vocal harmonies as it instantly elevates any song (in my opinion) and we get a good dose of this with "Dearest". 

"Chameleon" is another catchy track-I dare you not to get last song syndrome from:

"I'm a cha-cha-chameleon

I'll be your anything

I'm a cha-cha-chameleon

I'll be your everything" 

The track has a B-Side acoustic version, (Bertato Version-to be exact) where we hear a male voice, giving the song a new twist. Speaking of the B-Side versions in the album, I just have to say that as a reformed gamer (Paul gave up video games to focus on photography) the husband loves the 8 bit version of "If We Dare" it's vintage gaming music at its finest and Paul can't help but bop his head along. Kudos to the band for looking at new creative ways and means to give the album variety and who thought that looking into gaming music can do that. 

We have yet to see the band perform live but we are loving their music so much, that we'll make sure to jump at the first chance of seeing them in a gig. From their self titled debut album alone, I can say that this is another underrated band who does not lack in real talent, far from it- they are talented musicians who are ready to take the local indie scene by storm. 

They describe their album as-

"-a record of how we have grown. Each song chronicles a different time in the three years we have spent together...

Every song is a moment expressed in words, sounds and silences. You are listening to who we were, who we are now, and everything in between." 

The album is beautifully packaged in brown paper, once opened, it has a folden up blue paper which contains song lyrics, carefully designed with doodles and sketches to give it a more personal touch. Something I always appreciate versus a manufactured look. 

Dearest is your new favorite band waiting to happen. Their skills as musicians will captivate you in their own unique world, one which they reinvent and keep fresh with their undeniable talent and a drive to be their own band and play their own music. 

4 out of 5 stars. Make sure to follow Dearest on their social media sites. 

deardeardearest on Facebook. 

@deardeardearest on Twitter and Instagram. 

To get a copy of their album, you can message the band on Facebook or email them at deardeardearest@gmail.com