ALBUM: Dilly Dally 'Sore' - GigslutzGigslutz

Perhaps it’s due to the strength of their personal connection that’s existed since high school days, or perhaps it’s due to their sheer talent (though it’s no doubt down to both) that Dilly Dally (Katie Monks and Liz Ball) have managed to create one of the most powerful debut albums ever. It seems they have the magic formula all figured out: friendship, talent and of course a dash of unquestionable blind faith in themselves.

United by a love for bands such as Nirvana and The Pixies, these influences become instantly clear in Sore – alongside nods to the likes of Sonic Youth and Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. Sprawling, noisy, a little bit sombre and very unapologetic, Dilly Dally combine the aggression of the vocals with sparkly guitar lines giving the album an underlying pop sensibility.

Sore strikes the perfect balance between punky and melodic, as proved by tracks such as ‘Next Gold’ in which Monks’ harsh, grave vocals are met by Ball’s almost chirpy, indie-pop influenced guitars. It’s a mash-up, but a controlled one; it’s experimental but never falls into danger of being messy.

Katie and Liz’s unbreakable friendship further shines through in the lyricism; as Monks says:“The lyrics are often more like me talking to one of my best friends. Passing on important messages that I think they should know about. Music has always been my best friend, so our songs are meant to be that for someone else”. And, with the album discussing everything from heartbreak and sexual release, to menstruation, Sore lives up to their aims.

Whilst the album slows at points such as ‘Witch Man’, it never wavers in power. Totally drenched in raw emotion, Dilly Dally stay true to the idea that relying on music for anything but love is a mistake. Sure this album might be a moneymaker, but is that the point of it? Absoultely not. Rather, Sore the unshakable love of music, and a bond between two friends and their band (and, of course, a dash of gloom).

Sore is out 9 October.

Melissa Svensen
@MelYeaahh