Dynah

Wake

On the local quartet’s self-titled debut, Dynah proved better chameleons than the Chameleons, channeling the Cure and the Smiths for a slick shoegaze simulacrum that was at times charming and chic. Consider Wake the awkward morning after, when the zeal for Radiohead and Coldplay reveals itself in the forms of Muse and Keane. The system hasn’t changed, but unfortunately for Dynah, the scenery has. After the breakout success of Austin acts like Voxtrot, Zykos, and Brothers and Sisters, the bar for local indie pop has been raised. Lead number “The Scene” makes for an ironic reference point: The opening feedback rev-up mirrors the beginning of Golden Bear’s “A Reason to Be Proud,” the melting-ice imagery evoking Tacks, the Boy Disaster’s “Frozen Feet,” while the brooding basslines and gothic backbeats shadow I Love You but I’ve Chosen Darkness. The synthesized background vocals and cliché lyrical drone (“Come on and dance with me”) pounds like a nostalgic blast from the past. “Promise” and “Mistakes” both fare better, but Wake would benefit from getting up and out on the town a bit more. (Friday, Sept. 29, the Parish)

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This article appears in September 29 • 2006.

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