The Arcs: Yours, Dreamily

Justin Jacobs on November 9, 2015

Ever since The Black Keys brought on Danger Mouse to add some psychedelic color to 2008’s Attack & Release, singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach has hinted toward a full, acid-soaked plunge. But subsequent records, especially the tight El Camino, saw the duo pull back on the weird for more accessible rock. Auerbach finally scratches the itch with Yours, Dreamily, the debut from his new getup, featuring members of the Daptone family. The mixture clicks, and Auerbach’s The Arcs deliver a convincing set of crackling, crunchy, garage-born psychedelia, with a fair share of funk tossed in. This is the darker side of psych, forged by The 13th Floor Elevators, Baby Grandmothers and Top Drawer, cleaned up with a 2015 shine. Though Auerbach’s playing is as raggedy and muscular as ever, it’s when The Arcs slow down that things heat up. “Cold Companion” is a sexy, slinking tune that creeps along with a devilish groove; the soulful “Chains Of Love” could be a Motown B-side with a heap of fuzz piled on. Auerbach’s production experience for folks like Dr. John shows here—he’s a master of mood. Yours, Dreamily is just that: a hazy, summer daydream that you’ll want to play well past sunset.

Artist: The Arcs
Album: Yours, Dreamily
Label: Nonesuch