Those of us who grew up in eccentric middle-class households were probably exposed to the plethora of fantastical children’s movies that were made in the 80’s; the likes of which included films such as The Labyrinth,The Never Ending Story, and (everyone’s favorite tiny-people-laden masterpiece) Willow. The latter movie, which introduced a race of comparatively giant-people known as Daikinis, was the source of inspiration for the misspelled title of OffBeats’ newest indie interest: The Dykeenies.

As many savvy podsters already know, a next-gen wave of the “Scottish Invasion” hit American shores earlier this spring. The poster-children of said movement were The Fratellis, whose dance-hit “Flathead” was the centerpiece of one of iPod’s hippest commercials to date. As our eyes began to look more toward Europe for trendy jams, so were bred many new European Pop Groups. Queue, The Dykeenies.

First Things First: The music of The Dykeenies. I’ll be the first to admit that it is poppy. This group constitutes a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. While not as danceable (or popular) as their country-mates The Fratellis, their music is equally as infectious. Their full-length album Nothing Means Everything starts off with the slap-in-the-face vocal intro of “The Panic”, a dance-worthy tune that warrants more than a few toe-taps. This track sounds surprisingly modern and upbeat in comparison to the songs that follow. By the time we get to the beginning of “Pick You Up”, you’ll swear you’re listening to the soundtrack of the movie this group is named after. It is true, “Pick You Up” utilizes the long dead sound of synthesizers to create an atmosphere unheard of since Yes was playing music. But something is different. It is as if this track was brewed in the 80’s, and left to stew in a cedar barrel until it was unleashed in 2007 as a “vintage taste.” And let me just say, it doesn’t take a fine palette to appreciate what The Dykeenies have brewed. Lo and Behold! When the song “New Ideas” takes over your stereo, you’ll be flooded with the urge to drum, dance, and sing all at once. P.S. good luck trying to get its chorus out of your head.

  The Dykeenies have made a substantial impact on the scene since the release of Nothing Means Everything on September 17, 2007. This Scottish group, Having toured with such famous acts as The Horrors, The Fratellis and The Maccabees, is well on its to mainstream popularity. Not bad for such a young group.

The verdict: The Dykeenies are rockin’. They are well worth a listen, a dance, and perhaps even an air guitar solo. They are further proof that Europeans are fast re-establishing themselves as some of the best indie songwriters in the world.

Tom Crouse

 

Check out some sample tracks on Myspace:

www.myspace.com/gofindthedykeenies

 Or read a bio at their official site:

www.thedykeenies.com