If You Like: LCD Soundsystem, How To Dress Well, Active Child
Singer-songwriter and producer Dexter Miles Tortoriello (aka Dawn Golden) is not well-known to the public, but he should be. While his name manages to escape the ears of the uncultured, that’s not the case for the music industry. Under Dawn Golden, Dexter, in the backdrop of the music scene, has been hard at work creating new sounds. But along with Megan Messina, they form the electro-dream pop band Houses. It seemed Dexter never had any time to plan his next record. It has been years since we heard anything new from the duo until this year as Houses.
Under the electronic project Houses, Dexter and Megan released their full-length studio album, Drugstore Heaven this year. The album features the 2018 hit single, “Fast Talk.” Aside from the slight departure from his two previous albums, A Quiet Darkness and All Night, Drugstore Heaven brings forth a sound that has once been lost by the passing years. The two play around with some of the unique age electronic music dominating the airwaves and breathes new life into it. As Houses, it’s where we find Dexter at his most graceful, in step with Megan.
In ways similar to his previous work under Houses, Dexter flourished his signature sound on this project. On “Bad Checks,” Houses brings electronic and smooth R&B to convey the theme of monetary gains in today’s society. The tracks evoke the feeling of letting all your problems melt away. On this album, Dexter plays around with his soft-spoken vocals thrown in with synths and light electric strings. “Pink Honey” is a rainy hopeful track filled with subtle beat drops that play well into the over-arcing of the theme.
Drugstore Heaven marks a turning point in the band’s career. We get a clear picture of future projects. With the release of the official studio album, it seems Megan and Dexter are eager to make beautiful music again. The 13 track project is the band’s way of encouraging us to partake in this journey with them. It’s safe to say Houses has more music on the way in a short amount of time. For right now, let’s enjoy the ride on the stairway to heaven.
