The Donkeys' lazy, country-tinged Americana sound is a perfect match for the band's San Diego home. The group's second album, Living on the Other Side, is a simple and soothing summer set — music for driving with the top down, sunbathing in the sand and napping in a hammock. The sound isn't anything too fancy: The group just makes sweet, straightforward music to slowly sway to as the waves roll in.
Living on the Other Side's first single, "Walk Through a Cloud," mixes elements of blues, classic rock, and psychedelia with a countrified sound for a '60s-style pop song. The track's vocal harmonies give it a sing-along quality that conveys a sort of childish innocence. The effect is a refreshing, upbeat, carefree feel that's entirely relaxing.
Though the album doesn't venture far beyond this sunny sound, it's highlighted by a few gems. It can be easy to lose yourself in the jammy, blues-inspired guitar riffs of "Traverse Wine" and "Downtown Jenny," or the organ drones and floating guitar solo of "Dolphin Center." The album seems to drift by as if on a sea breeze.
Living on the Other Side marks The Donkeys' first release on the Dead Oceans record label. The band will tour heavily this September in support of the new record, playing 16 coast-to-coast shows.
Download this song in the Second Stage podcast.
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