Album Review

Dearly Beloved – Enduro

• 9th Jun 2014

Dearly Beloved are headed up by the paired vocal stylings of Rob Higgins and Niva Chow. They’re unique pairing is what drives this goth-stoner rock outfit, as was the case in their last effort Hawk Vs. Pigeon. With the release of Enduro, the outfit try to make a step forward on that sound, and hone in on it.

It is the to and fro singing that makes this record stand out from other, as Higgins and Chow are at their best when together like this. Songs like ‘All Sins Are Forgiven’ and ‘Not My Pig’ showcase this at it’s best, while ‘Astor DuPont Payne’ shows that this act isn’t all about the vocals. The prog-infused musicianship behind the songs really thrives here, that Dearly Beloved are not a one trick pony.

While there is plenty of reasons to be excited about Enduro, it lacks that final impact that an album should have. As a stoner-rock record, you might expect it to bring you places that others have. But Dearly Beloved are a moment away from getting there with this LP.

Still clawing at the heels of their peers, Dearly Beloved have taken steps forward toward their final goal with Enduro. They’re just in need of that final push.

Download: All Sins Are Forgiven, Astor DuPont Payne, Olympic Of No Regard

Venue: Enduro
Support Band: Aporia Records