Dawes

North Hills (ATO)

When Taylor Goldsmith gently pleads the richly harmonized title of “Give Me Time,” it’s a call worth heeding. The L.A. quartet’s 1970s roots-rock-saturated debut progresses in slowly unrolling ballads, only once dipping below the four-minute mark, but North Hills benefits from the patience. “That Western Skyline” and “When You Call My Name” hearken the Band and It Still Moves-era My Morning Jacket, minus the reverb. “When My Time Comes” thrusts forth more power capped by a swelling chorus, while Goldsmith’s croon on “God Rest My Soul” and “Love Is All I Am” pitches toward David Bazan. Touchstones aplenty echo around the edges, especially the “I Shall Be Released” verses sliding into the Grateful Dead “Brokedown Palace” chorus on “If You Let Me Be Your Anchor,” but they never quite falter into mere mimicry. Working a sound this classic doesn’t allow for many surprises, but it’s also hard to steer wayward. (Wed., 8pm, Club de Ville; Thu., 8pm, Beauty Bar/Palm Door; Sat., 4pm, Auditorium Shores Stage.)

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This article appears in March 19 • 2010.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.