you know

when you hear a song and it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy and you think that if your heart could smile it would totally have a giant, goofy, toothy grin slapped across its... left ventricle?

WELL, almost every single song on DAWES debut album, North Hills, makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and heart-smiley. signed to ATO in the US, the album hits stores states side on August 18. If you're a canadian, you can pick it up on iTunes NOW. DO IT.

in my opinion, dawes does new-folk better than fleet foxes. heavy claim, i know, but listen to my reasoning. i loved the fleet foxes album when it dropped. i listened to it, religiously, for a few weeks after acquiring it. i loved the aesthetic, the harmonies, the throwback. but, after a while, it was just TOO much. i had a new-folk hangover that i just couldn't shake. eventually, i just gave it up.

then came along dawes.

dawes have all the nostalgia you need for one sitting. it's folky, but delivers a healthy does of country-rock (heavily influenced by bands like the band) to balance it all out. the lyrics are solid, the hooks are traditional and the harmonies are beautiful. it's not perfect, but that's what makes it so endearing. and it's so easy to listen to. i can solidly say it's passed my tests. i'm a month in, or close to it, and i routinely go back for more.

check out "that western skyline," "give me time" and "peace in the valley" (my personal favourite.)

ALSO, i'm a huge fan of "love is all i am." the video is beautiful.

Dawes "Love is All I am" from THE FEAR on Vimeo.