I first came across Dexter And The Moonrocks a few months ago, following the release of their hugely popular single “Freakin’ Out”. When I spoke to them around that time, the Texas rock group were riding high on its success, having recently quit their day jobs to fully commit to making music. With the release of their debut album, Friends That I Don’t Like, on 2 October, it’s clear that this decision was the right one. Having just made their Australian debut at Strummingbird Festival, followed by support slots with Bailey Zimmerman in Melbourne and Sydney, these guys are well and truly on the radar for Aussie country-rock fans.
Though they identify as a country-rock group, at its core this is a rock record, driven by gritty guitars, laid-back vocals and a sound that occasionally leans into country territory. What stands out most, though, is just how established the band already sound. The songs have a lived-in familiarity, as though this is an album that’s been around for years and I’m only just discovering it. For a debut, that’s seriously impressive.
“Don’t Wanna Be High” is a solid introduction to their sound, pairing effective instrumentation with slightly repetitive lyrics about exactly what the title suggests, alongside the fear of letting others down. “Mull It Over” follows a similar formula, building from a simple guitar introduction into something a little heavier. While the opening tracks share plenty of similarities, “Said What I Said” is an early standout, with a ridiculously catchy chorus and lyrics that capture the feeling of being trapped inside your own head.
“Why Don’t You Say So”, featuring Avery Anna, is another highlight. The vocal and guitar introduction immediately sets it apart, while Anna’s voice provides a beautiful contrast to the band’s grungier delivery. “It’s A Lot” takes things in a more upbeat direction, almost bordering on pop-punk, with a great guitar riff and a satisfying build-up in its second half. It’s exactly the kind of energy I wish we heard a little more of throughout the record.
There are some lovely stripped-back moments, too. “Complacent” has a late ’90s, early 2000s ballad feel, while “Let It Hurt” gives the vocals room to shine over delicate acoustic guitar. Both are enjoyable, but “Let It Hurt” feels particularly disarming in its simplicity. “12 Steps”, featuring Treaty Oak Revival, brings a more country-leaning sound to the record, while “Under The Weather” is yet another standout. The vocals immediately grab your attention before building into a seriously catchy chorus, with the contrast between the louder sections and stripped-back verses keeping things interesting.
“Space Invader” adds some welcome fun, while “If You Could Talk” delivers another heartfelt ballad, complete with a brief instrumental burst that makes its gradual build all the more satisfying.
Of course, “Freakin’ Out” remains a highlight. With more than 200 million Spotify streams, it’s easy to understand why the track has resonated with so many listeners. But hearing it within the context of the full album only reinforces how strong the rest of the record is. “Embarrassing” takes a more raw, almost voice memo-like approach, before closing track “Outro” delivers the kind of guitar-driven energy I’d been waiting for. At just under two minutes, it’s short, loud and ridiculously fun, with a brilliant drum build-up and riffs that let the band really rip.
Dexter and the Moonrocks have delivered a seriously strong debut with Friends That I Don’t Like. There are no real low points here, and while I would have loved a little more of the closing track’s energy throughout, the band’s ability to balance grungy rock with more vulnerable moments makes this an incredibly enjoyable listen. I love what these guys are doing, and if this is what they’re capable of on their first album, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Photo credit: Derek Hockeymeyer
