The Unfazed
| The Unfazed | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by Dolorean | ||||
| Released | January 18, 2011 | |||
| Genre | Indie rock | |||
| Label | Fargo Records / Partisan Records | |||
| Dolorean chronology | ||||
| ||||
The Unfazed is the fourth full-length by Dolorean, released in 2011 on Partisan Records. Allmusic gave it a score of 3.5/5.[1] It reached No. 41 on the Top Heatseekers chart.[1] Noel Murray of The A.V. Club wrote that the album "blends the dreamy psychedelia of Pink Floyd with the yearning balladry of Gene Clark."[2]
History
Production and release
After a several year hiatus, the band began recording again in 2010. According to James about the process, "our energy was low. We finished half the record, but realized we could do it better." After a more successful recording session,[3] on October 26, 2010 the band released the EP Anticipation Blues on Partisan Records, which included three new tracks that weren't included in their upcoming album.[4] The EP was their first release with new member[1] Jon Neufield on guitar.[5]
The Unfazed is the fourth full-length by Dolorean, released on January 18, 2011 on Partisan.[1] It was released on Fargo Records in Europe.[6]
Reception
| "The Unfazed has an immediacy lacking on Dolorean's earlier albums. It rings with confidence under Mr. James's twangy, matter-of-fact vocals, with echoes of Austin-style Americana, early Jeff Tweedy and Wilco, and Neil Young with Ben Keith." |
| — Wall Street Journal[3] |
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |    [1] |
| NPR | (positive)[7] |
| The A.V. Club | B+[2] |
| Wall Street Journal[3] | (positive) |
 Dolorean - Black Hills Gold (OFFICIAL VIDEO) (Dec 9, 2011) |
Like Dolorean's previous three albums, The Unfazed met with a largely positive press response.[1][7] NPR gave it a positive review,[7] while Allmusic gave it a score of 3.5/5.[1] Noel Murray of The A.V. Club called the album "blends the dreamy psychedelia of Pink Floyd with the yearning balladry of Gene Clark. At times, the album relies too much on tasteful arrangements to put across songs that are overly funereal, but then Dolorean comes up with something as arresting as the stormy 'Hard Working Dogs' or the faintly funky 'Black Hills Gold,' and the jolt of energy puts the mellower songs in context."[2]
Wall Street Journal wrote that the album "continues Dolorean's tradition of very fine song-centric folk-rock albums. In a just world, the release would bring the group the kind of widespread fan support and critical acclaim it has been denied thus far." The review further stated that "has an immediacy lacking on Dolorean's earlier albums." The review also praised the instrumental arrangements and performances, including that of guest Kate O'Brien Clarke on violin.[3]
Track listing
All songs arranged and performed by Dolorean.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Thinskinned" | Al James | 4:14 |
| 2. | "Country Clutter" | Al James | 4:38 |
| 3. | "The Unfazed" | Al James | 4:20 |
| 4. | "Hard Working Dogs" | Al James | 4:26 |
| 5. | "Fools Gold Ring" | Al James | 4:21 |
| 6. | "Sweet Boy" | Al James | 3:19 |
| 7. | "Black Hills Gold" | Al James | 4:00 |
| 8. | "If I Find Love" | Al James | 3:51 |
| 9. | "These Slopes Gave Me Hope" | Al James | 4:02 |
| 10. | "How Is It" | Kelly Blair Bauman / Nicholas Marshall | 5:21 |
Charts
| Chart[1] | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Billboard Top Heatseekers | 41 |
Personnel
The following is an incomplete list of involved personnel:
- Dolorean - primary artist
- James Adair - Bass
- Jay Clarke - Guitar, Organ, Piano
- Al James - Composer, Guitar, Vocals
- Jon Neufeld - Guitar
- Ben Nugent - Drums, Percussion, Vocal Arrangement, Vocals
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Allen, James (January 18, 2011). "The Unfazed". Allmusic. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
- 1 2 3 Murray, Noel (January 18, 2011). "Dolorean: The Unfazed". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
- 1 2 3 4 Fusilli, Jim (January 27, 2011). "dolorean Stays 'Unfazed' on Road to Recognition". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
- ↑ "Discography". DoloreanMusic.com. 2015. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
- ↑ Keating, Celine. "Black Prairie". Acoustic Guitar. Acguitar.com. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
- ↑ "Dolorean". Partisan Records. 2011. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
- 1 2 3 Tucker, Ken (February 24, 2011). "Dolorean: 'Unfazed' By Life's Challenges". NPR. Retrieved 2015-06-25.