Dutch Americana band return with polished and personal offering.
A little background: DIX describe themselves as a roots band with a folky heart and a generous dose of melancholic americana. The band was formed by childhood friends from the Dutch region of Land van Maas en Waal: Erik van Oijen (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Johnny Ariëns (bass), Bart Versteegh (drums, accordion), and guitar virtuoso Ray van Haalen (guitar, banjo). Having been formed around 25 years ago, it took a while before their debut album, Sayonara (2010), appeared. This was followed by For Love (2013).
The foundations for this, their third album, were recorded back in 2019. However, circumstances, including the COVID pandemic and the passing of producer and close band friend Louis Bos, delayed its completion. The band states the record is much more than just a new release; it is a tribute. Ludovicus Bosco Hic Fuit means “Louis Bos was here”.
It opens with the rather lovely sentiments of Ballad of a Gentle Man. An easygoing intro and some nice acoustic chords lead into a soft and reflective song. The lyrics describe an understated musician who remains in the background, allowing the soloists to weave their magic. It is a metaphor for those who encourage others to thrive, and perhaps an overt tribute to their lost compadre Bos? It could be, but it is a song that is a wide-open and touching tribute to all the helpers, the supporters, and the quiet people of the world.
The musicianship throughout this record is exemplary. No unnecessarily flashy soloing, just the warmest of americana backdrops, with twangy electric guitar, mandolin, banjo and a subtle rhythm section supporting the music rather beautifully. The songs themselves tend towards the melancholic; main singer and songwriter, van Oijen, has a plaintive voice, with just a touch of rawness to it that is highly palatable. As he points out, it is music that invites you to sit down and listen. The record seldom rocks, nor does it have that ‘windows down’ open-highway vibe. However, if you are prepared to put in the time, maybe in a late evening, lights low, glass of whiskey and rocking chair kind of way, there is plenty here to enjoy.
Indeed, the strongest songs are probably the slowest: the heartfelt Melt Me; the moody Straight Where I Want To Be; the rather gorgeous melody of Beautiful Eyes; the old-time waltz of Mooney. These are all little treats in their own way.
Perhaps one or two more like the joyful Saturn Blue wouldn’t have come amiss, with its rolling rhythm and trad country sounds (some nice pedal steel in the mix). It lifts the predominantly minor-key feel of the whole record. This is a fine song, with almost a whiff of Gram and Emmylou about it.
Overall, there is a feeling that this is a band who have dug deep and given a lot to make this music. If the record maybe lacks one or two absolute killer tunes, it more than makes up for it via its consistency of sound and purpose, and the musical quality of those involved. It’s well worth a listen to anyone who likes their americana to have some depth and feeling, albeit without rocking the boat too much.
