So what is “punktry”?
Maybe it’s easier just to listen to Houston, TX band Dorlana‘s music to get a sense of it. The fresh quintet just started releasing music this year, but have already honed in on a sound that melds together punk, indie pop, and just a hint of honky tonk.
Composed of Katy Manning (vocals/rhythm guitar), Sarah Adams (lead guitar), Richard Sharrock (bass), Hannah M. Lowery (keys) and Bradly Brown (drums), the group haven’t even debuted their EP Rearview yet, but the three singles out now are all worth your time.
“Overthinkin'” incorporates a surfy guitar melody and a shaking, garage rock rhythm that could have fit in with a 60’s biker film. Yet, there’s some perfect backing harmonies that add a sunny pop sheen over it. Think Rilo Kiley with a darker edge. “Rearview Mirror” has that hint of twang in Manning’s vocals, yet melodically it has that mosey of Pavement‘s most slackerish tunes with a bubblegum pep in the step. Lines like “I got no use for a rearview mirror” encapsulates the bright mindset of the tune – someone who is moving on from a bad relationship and seeing no reason to look back. The ending chant of “turn around, don’t drown” will definitely be sung loudly by crowds during concerts.
And then there’s “Fix.” A 180 from the previous songs, “Fix” is a heart-heavy, country rock ballad. Manning and the backing vocals add dollops of soul over the arrangement. Manning bleeds disappointment and resignation singing “Don’t pretend that you don’t know yet that you’re never going to quit,” while Adams lets her guitar not-so-gently weep over Brown’s mournful percussion.
Wherever this band is going, you should plan on following. 2026 has already brought one Texas “Y’alternative” band onto the charts (Dexter and the Moonrocks), and Dorlana deserve to be the next one up. Listen to the group’s songs in our Bad Ass Break-Outs Playlist.
The Indy Review 