SLINGSHOT DAKOTA "Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours Is The Golden Ghost" (Self-Released) Review by Jordan A. Baker
Retooled significantly from the line-up on their 2004 Immigrant Sun full-length Kenner Sights, SLINGSHOT DAKOTA return as a mere duo, and the stripped-down expression of the band's indie/emo is immediately apparent. Led by lead singer/keyboardist Carly Comando, and backed by drummer Tom Patterson, the 'DAKOTA readily call to mind the brisk, looseness of the GET UP KIDS, circa Four Minute Mile. No, there's nothing as infectious as "Don't Hate Me," on Their Dreams Are Dead, but Comando's cute, sly voice keeps the listener tuned in pretty close. I'd be remiss to skip a reference to the gooey catchiness of THE ANNIVERSARY's modern emo staple Designing A Nervous Breakdown, but SLINGSHOT DAKOTA's music has a fraction of the power, and none of the slick "processing." The quiet tenderness of Their Dreams Are Dead peaks on the fifth track, "I-78," which features Comando's whispering vocals, and keys that sound like they're gracefully dancing across a stage. In the case of SLINGSHOT DAKOTA, less is definitely more, and this musical duo is overflowing with substance.
