Dawes is set to release We’re All Gonna Die on September 16. The upcoming album delivers in a strong way, and I find it to be a strong contender for GRAMMY awards, as well as a heavy hitter in different live settings.

‘One of Us’ reconfirmed my theory that this is an Album of the Year contender. When i listened to the band before this album in a live and in a studio setting, I felt like they were only pushing themselves as far as they preferred to be pushed creatively.

After finding out that they self-produced this album, it threw me for a loop, due to my assumption of them bringing in a different producer to switch up their sound. Instead, the group’s sound naturally matured like a fine wine. When musicians make this kind of break through on their own, I feel it should be noted.

It is interesting how NPR picked up on the Dylan-esque style within Dawes. During my listen of ‘From A Window Seat’ I felt influence undertones of Bob Dylan. This album is an excellent example of good storytelling. It continues within the same vein of Dylan’s creative flow.

My theory is that Dawes on We’re All Gonna Die has picked up on Dylan’s blueprint to songwriting. Where as Dylan took listeners to move of an activist level with his lyrics. For me, it creates an anticipation to to see what the band writes about on their next record.

Scan over upcoming tour dates for fans that have pre-ordered the album. This move of creating intimate performances for the most diehard fans is another sign of brilliance. It continues to build momentum for the album release, and connects with record stores to build interactivity.