As a fan of lo-fi everything and anything, finding Dope Lemon was a bit of a savanger hunt. As 'Marinade' plays on, Drop Lemon have already accomplished a goal because the song rolls out as a poem without coming off as ridiculous. Dope Lemon came off as a form of acoustic psychedelic. In a sense if you combined when Bob Dylan went electric and The Velvet Underground decided to play only acoustic instruments.
Angus Stone is the vocals behind Dope Lemon, yes from Angus & Julia Stone duo. Making music from Australia Angus Stone certainly has not lost touch with the edge implemented within his folk creations. Dope Lemon falls more in line towards a soft Surf Beat (early Best Coast material) even Stone has noted that Dope Lemon is crafted after 'laid back coastal' music.
'Marinade' reads off as a secondary Royal Tenenbaums prequel, even the music video seems to rival with Moonrise Kingdom. Maybe Wes Anderson had some sort of influence remains to be seen. However, Dope Lemon has no trouble in communicating the language of possibilities within this track. Even the guitar seems to have a bit of attitude at times. What Stone brings out in this alter ego is a heavily embodied voice of stories. Nothing comes off as real yet all the stories are told in a matter of fact quality. Added in as a sight of hand psychedelic feature 'Marinade' marches onward towards a sunny horizon. Certain moments are pointed out in this track that could have the song change directions and eventually progress into a more coastal feel good song. However, 'Marinade' reels out a touch of sadden disposition worthy of a classic coming of age song.
Dope Lemon may be an altered reality from Angus & Julia Stone, nonetheless a great listen to adventure forward towards.
