The Damnwells’ latest album is self-titled for a good reason: It’s the first to include the original quartet since 2006. That was the year Epic dropped the band after a hellish 18 months of two-faced A&R nonsense, endless remixes and postponed release dates. On The Damnwells, the chemistry remains fully charged between frontman Alex Dezen, guitarist David Chernis, bassist Ted Hudson and drummer Steve Terry. Recorded at Texas Treefort Studio in Austin with producer Salim Nourallah (Old 97’s), its 11 tracks ooze a relentless swagger born of perseverance. Dezen will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new feature on the band.
Dezen: I spent two years in Iowa City getting my master’s degree, and that place, that whole state inside and out, left an indelible impression on me. First off, it’s a beautiful place. Rolling hills, lush greens and plenty of quiet. Secondly, it’s historically one of—if not the most—progressive states in the union. It was the second state to outlaw segregated schools, in 1868. It was the second state to allow same-sex marriage, in 2007. It was the first state to allow women to join the bar, in 1869. It passed the Iowa Civil Rights act, which prohibited discrimination, in 1884, 80 years before the federal government. The first Muslim settlers landed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1885. (If you’re interested, check this out.) To me, Iowa is the hopeful, intrepid heart of America, which, despite all odds, holds fast the reins of progress.
Video after the jump.
