Dustin McKamie Shines On His Debut Album, “A Good Man Down”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Dustin McKamie may be one of the industry’s best kept secrets. With roots that trace back to the Midwest, the indie-folk singer-songwriter has built a dedicated fanbase with his ability to craft romanticized singles that are raw with emotion. Drawing inspiration from the likes of The Lumineers & Death Cab for Cutie, he writes his music from an honest perspective mixing darker lyrical content with brighter instrumentals embracing the inevitable contradictory term "happy sad songs”. He is genuinely one of the most polarizing artists in the industry.
Currently based in LA, McKamie has spent the better part of this year on a hot run. He’s released 4 singles, and he’s managed to keep listeners yearning for more. Now, he enters our pages with his highly anticipated debut album “A Good Man Down”. The double-sided album takes listeners on a sonic journey that they won’t want to end. “A Good Man Down” is timeless a project that discuses tumultuous relationships, regret, newfound love, and hope! It’s a rollercoaster ride of sentiment, emotions, and romance.
My favorite records from the album were “Last Night”, “California Noise”, & “Gone and Left Me Here”. “Last Night” is an infectious record that is laced with warm vocal tones, engaging percussion, and the guitar melodies are otherworldly. The record pulls you in from the first note, and his ear-worm hook makes sure you stay around! “Last Night” shows his versatility and exceptional talent as a songwriter. Lyrically, the single is a heartbreak anthem that explores how hard it is to get over someone when you’re constantly reminded of your past. “California Noise” is a lighter record with contemporary elements. Sonically, I enjoyed the pacing and arrangement that allowed the song to build over its duration. In addition, I was captivated by the lush melodies, drowned out vocals, and the background chants added a much-needed pace to close the song out. Overall, the record details how easy it is to get caught up in everything around us and lose sight of what’s important. “Gone and Left Me Here” is my personal favorite. The record was mixed by Yuuki Matthews (The Shins), and it is a break-up song. Over the previous singles, we hear him discussing how hard it is to walk away. On this single, he realizes that he’s given everything to a relationship that his significant other refuses to fight for. The record is his moment of clarity where he realizes that he will never fix his significant other. He could give the world, and he would still be left behind. Although this is his debut album, the project serves as a testament to McKamie’s quality as an artist. His songs are cohesive and intentional. This album is everything!
