Dexterity’s latest single “Raise the Dead” is a wild, winding ride. But it just works. From the start, there’s a hypnotic groove looping, luring you in with a slow build before it suddenly explodes into rapid-fire lyrics and pulsing chants of “raise the dead, raise the dead…”. If I was to describe the first half of this track I’d say it’s definitely infectious and absolutely unpredictable.
There’s definitely a sense of drama throughout but not in a theatrical way. The track keeps shifting gear without ever losing its thread. The instrumental layers are where Dexterity really flex their muscles. At around the midway point there’s this textured instrumental passage that slides into a moody guitar build and slower vocals, with that looping guitar lick fading in and out. Grief is at the core of the track, but it’s not all somber, there’s frustration, numbness, denial, and bursts of raw pleading. Sarah Dexter’s vocals, paired with the full force of Adrianna, Alex, Cian, and Nathan behind her, carry that emotional turbulence without ever sounding overwrought.
With a longer track length than most these days, it’s a full-on journey, and it’s no surprise they released an instrumental version alongside it, the musicianship on this one deserves its own spotlight. The band themselves summed it up best on socials: “funky grooves, chunky guitars. Lesbian prog rock at its finest.” Couldn’t put it better myself.
It’s bold, a bit chaotic, and captivating. Not one for passive listening. This one needs your full attention.
‘Raise The Dead’ scores a 7 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography