Dope Lemon – the multiple-award winning project created by acclaimed Sydney singer-songwriter Angus Stone – are set to release much anticipated fifth album Golden Wolf on May 2nd. Singles off of the new album have dropped throughout the last few months, including tracks “Golden Wolf”, “Sugarcat”, and “Electric Green Lambo”, each unique in sound but so distinctly Dope Lemon.
Golden Wolf marks a step away from Stone’s youth, instead exploring what lies ahead. With Dope Lemon’s sound being heavily influenced by classic rock as well a reflective state of where Stone is at that particular point of his life, this new album invites its listeners to enjoy the journey of life with that familiar groovy, psychedelic sound, bringing you the perfect summer feels album, that just keeps getting better with every listen.
The almost Fontaines D.C.-esque opener “John Belushi” is a great way to kick off the album. Meanwhile “Sugarcat” boasts a beachy feel and an impressive electric guitar riff towards the end – it’s no surprise the fans have already taken a shine to this one.
If looking through a kaleidoscope was a song, “Electric Green Lambo” would be it, with its electric-funk, almost psychadelic sound. It’s like a hazy memory of being at a late night beach party with your friends, with a few glow sticks thrown in for good measure.
Title track “Golden Wolf” is all about chill vibes, summer nights with the windows down, wind blowing through the car driving past the beach. It’s the perfect pick to showcase the entire vibe of the album, with a similar style to Stone’s roots of indie-rock, teamed with a very gentle melody.
“Yamasuki – Yama Yama” starts with this really epic series of drum beats that carry on throughout the rest of the song. It is quite a strong track, having moments of upbeat music lifting it up with a unique blend of instruments, before some of the song is sung in a different language, elevating it just that little bit more. And then Stone’s alluring voice stepping into the sound, on top of THAT drum series? Need I say more?
“We Solid Gold” offers those same summer feels again, with the backing track almost reminiscent of an 80’s sound (think Stranger Things). Headphone users won’t know what hit them at the end with its unique finale, like two different sounds playing in each ear.
“She’s All Time” has got to be my top pick. Picture cruising around in a van during summer and just vibing, and you’ve got “She’s All Time”. It’s such a groovy tune, and the melodic guitar licks throughout make it that extra bit special. A true feel good song!
Following “She’s all Time” is “Maggie’s Moonshine” and, although it’s a similar sound, I’ll admit I was put off at at first by the length. But it ended up as one of my favourites on the album, and is actually the perfect length for car trips when you don’t want to change the song. Some shakers start off the track, the beat picks up, and then it becomes so groovy! The song tapers off towards the middle and pauses, leaving you hanging for more, before the the vibe of the song completely shifts for a bit with some cool echoes. A final shift adds some trumpets to carry out the song – a truly special track!
“On the 45” is another great summer song, and another personal favourite. The lyrics are very catchy (“she likes the wind in her hair”, “and now she just don’t care”), and the chorus just fits the so well.
Wrapping up Golden Wolf, is “Dust of a Thousand Stars” is an almost 8-minute instrumental track. It such a cool beat to it, and is absolutely a dancing tune, even with no lyrics until the last 15 seconds where a bit of spoken word pops in. It has such a unique blend of instruments, but they work so well together, and this track wraps the album up perfectly. Another great one to listen to on a road trip, alongside “Maggie’s Moonshine”.
Golden Wolf is an absolutely killer album, keeping the chill, summer vibes strong all the way to the end – even managing to keep that summertime feeling going as Australia starts the slow slide into winter. Dope Lemon continues to impress, and I’m keen to see what’s next!
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Dope Lemon‘s Golden Wolf is out now – grab your copy HERE.
Dope Lemon will touring Australia and New Zealand later this year in support of the new album. Tickets are on sale now, and you can find all details HERE.
Header credit: Daniel Mayne
