ALBUM REVIEW: Dude York Switches It Up on ‘Falling’

The nostalgic rock trio lets a new voice emerge on LP3.

Dude York’s third album presents some changes for the band even as they reach back to the ’90s and early 2000s for influence.

Previously fronted by guitarist Peter Richards, the Seattle trio switches things up on Falling, bringing bassist Claire England to the forefront for about half the album.

While Richards’ voice could rep any ’90s-indebted band, England singing gives Dude York something unique. Just listen to “Box,” where the band imitates The Cure while opening with a line that nearly rips off The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside.” England’s tracks, while still plenty nostalgic, are the real standouts.

“Unexpected” could be from the Josie and the Pussycats soundtrack, except it’s amazing. Similarly, the title track pits her soaring vocals against heavy guitars for some heady euphoria.

With Falling, Dude York has put together a solid tribute to many millennials’ favorite ’90s alt rock band, and should they continue to let England’s songwriting shape their sound, they’re bound for even better things.

Score: 🎂🎂🎂/5