Jeffersonville, Indianaʼs, Nick Dittmeier released his second album, Light Of Day, on April 22, 2014. Dittmeier cut his teeth in the punk rock scene before switching gears in 2006 with his alt-country band Slithering Beast. In 2013, he went solo with the four-song EP Extra Better. Dittmeier is one of those hard-working, always-playing-out type of musicians — our favorite kind. When he’s not onstage, heʼs teaching guitar lessons at a local music store. His passion for his medium and dedication to putting out real music are more than apparent in everything heʼs done, and Light of Day is no different. Dittmeier knocks it out of the park with six tracks of soulful Southern rock paired with catchy, yet thoughtful and engaging alt-country.
The title track, “Light of Day,” is the perfect start to the album, opening up with some sick slide guitar work that transitions into a steady Southern rock groove. Dittmeierʼs slide work throughout the track simply sings with just the right touch of attitude. Throw a bit of soul in the chorus, great backing guitar work, and a fret-shredding solo that Dittmeier has no problem laying back into, and youʼve got a real good time.
“My Grey Suit” may be the strongest song on the album — a country-rock story-teller that engages you from the start with simply great songwriting. This is a definite head-bobber and toe-tapper with great guitar work, I love how active the guitars are throughout this entire album. The final verse is backed with harmonics — a sure win when used right, as they absolutely are here.
“Die and Go to Shively” is a Southern rocker inspired by Dittmeier’s parents winning a cemetery plot in a less-than-prestigious Louisville neighborhood. This is the funnest tune on the album, loaded with more of Dittmeier and companyʼs deliberate guitar picking throughout. If that wasnʼt enough, thereʼs a straight-up, badass hi-hat-driven breakdown thatʼll make you crank the volume enough for your neighbors to get a clue. Youʼll be singing along to this one.
If you like good music, do yourself a favor and pick up Light of Day. For shows in the Kentucky/Indiana area, check the link below. And, if youʼre going into Jefferson, Indiana’s, Jimmyʼs Music Center for guitar lessons, instead of asking to learn “Seven Nation Army”, ask Nick to teach you one of his songs…thatʼs what Iʼd do.
https://nickdittmeier.bandcamp.com/
+Words: Eric Chasko+
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