As we all know, music has the power of movement. Whether it’s simple pencil drumming during work or outright screaming lyrics in a concert pit, music moves. Four-piece rock band ‘Dovecage’ knows that: and has unleashed an EP that checks every block. Born and based in North Carolina, Dovecage members Kiara, Zach, Tim and Nick have discovered and adopted the very heart of rock and roll. Inspired by artists such as Foo Fighters, Paramore, Blink-182 and Shinedown, Dovecage knows how to create that thunderous sound we know and love well. With striking vocals, pounding drums, booming bass and snappy, euphoric guitar riffs that resonate in every song, they’re guaranteed to make even the best pencil drummer start singing along. Especially the three songs on their newest release, an EP titled “Envy”. Officially (strategically…) released on Valentine’s Day, “Envy” consists of three fast-paced, catchy songs that each describe a different breakup situation. Ironic, isn’t it? Without further ado, let’s dive headfirst into the leading song, dubbed “Bang My Life”.
If you’re ever in search of music that you just can’t resist rocking out to while you drive just about anywhere; “Bang Your Life” should be on your go-to list. Creatively, in the first moments a car engine can be heard rumbling to a start, and quiet drifting vocals with a rock melody become progressively clearer and louder as we mentally ‘enter the car’. As the lyrics are sung, the story becomes painfully clear: a raw heartbreak piece about being tormented by a lover with their ex. It’ll soon have you screaming at them alongside Kiara’s soaring vocal work. Within fills of softer, defined vocals to more intense instrumentals, the song breathes and shifts, creating the perfect musical energy to match the tone. Like the lyrics enunciate, “heartbreak sells” and what better way to gain success than doing just that. With over 2,800 streams since it’s release, “Bang My Life” quickly claimed to be the #1 most popular song on Dovecage’s discography.
The second track on this EP, brimming with rapid riffs and meteoric drums, is one they call “Covenant”. With lyrics describing a relationship built on the dream of what it could have been and being shattered over what it really was, Dovecage delivers. With softer instrumentals overall, the piece still emanates classic 2000’s rock with the liberation of a sudden and agile guitar solo, which reflects the vocal runs used within the song as well. In a dreamier approach, the opening audio awakens itself, with a simple strum of guitar placed over floating vocals and heartbeat-esque beat. As if to ease the listener into the piece and enunciate on the subject of dreams. It’s a clear, clamorous, and forceful song that'll be ringing in your ears and mind for long after it’s ended, a definite benefit of reverberating rock!
Starting off with a smooth drum lick and the heaviest song yet, Dovecage brings their EP to a close with “False Connection”. The tone of the song is immediately known as the lyrics resonate sentiments of aching disappointment. Feeling human connection isn’t to be taken lightly, it’s to be appreciated, acknowledged, and watered in order to grow. And if it’s discovered that a connection found meaningful and important turns up all for show, it’s agonizing and truly painful. The feeling of being used and manipulated. “False Connection” wraps up that feeling and supplies it within the notes and strains of the song. With weighty guitar patterns, the singer’s voice is lifted to a noticeable and distinct range, becoming especially defined. Carrying the main melody and allowing the guitar to follow the beat and bass as a guide, the vocals transcend and take charge. It’s such a tribute to anyone who has been manipulated by another person, and allowed their heart to be fooled without knowing. It’s something most people can relate to and find themselves drifting into their own memories of, therefore creating connection in itself.
Music moves, and Dovecage is here making sure of it. Quoted on wanting to make music “people with dance to” from their website, I’d say they’ve achieved that goal and ascended beyond it. Turn your ear to “Envy” and the rest of Dovecage’s discography here. For more information about them, visit their website here.
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