Dylan Rockwell - “False Dawn”
From Washington, D.C., singer-songwriter Dylan Rockwell has completely won us over with the vintage-tinged “False Dawn,” a folksy tune traversing the brevity of existence.
We absolutely adore these tunes that delve into darker subject matter, and the fact that “False Dawn” is also saturated with a rich and creamy, analogue-flavored production allows it to effortlessly nestle itself into our niche. From the very moment that you press play, the barebones rhythm and dark strums of a guitar completely set the vibe, instantly captivating anyone within earshot.
Rockwell’s vocal performance brings a profound layer of melancholic energy to the track, softly providing an intimate and prolific delivery that will enchant the listener upon the first line of lyrics. The ethereal cries of a pedal steel wash across the sonic landscape and enhance the somber character of the production, culminating in a sound that demands multiple listens.
On the chorus, the arrangement expands to include harmonizing layers of vocals and some additional percussive elements that grant a significant elevation to the overall sound. The soft notes of a subdued piano and flourishes from an electric guitar are present to gift the listener a cornucopia of scrumptious ear candy. In its brief, two-and-half minute duration, “False Dawn” beautifully reflects just how temporary life is.
Rockwell adds that “False Dawn” was “written after a close friend's father passed away as a way to explain it to myself. I hope this song catches you in the right headspace for it. I think it can be sad or it can be beautiful, depending. I tried to make the chords, rhythm, and melody unpredictable in the same way that living is.”