Dharma Sons
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Of Life and
Existence Oh Caroline |
Early in 1990 and Dharma Sons had just released their self-titled debut album. It had charted on 26 stations and a US tour had ensued. Half way through the tour lead guitarist Jon Ritz had left unexpectedly and Matt Dudek called on his friend Dutch to fill the void for the remainder of the tour. The tour would last another two months and although a huge success, it would manage to destroy what was left of the original line-up. Left with a hit act and no band Matt ask Dutch to stay on as lead singer/guitarist. After a few months of auditions Bill Warnick was brought aboard on drums along with a second guitarist Mark Pluchinski. "It was Mark's addition that really sparked the magic," says Dutch. With the line up set the band immediately started playing 15-20 shows a month to gain back lost momentum. A new sound emerged with the dual lead guitars and country harmonies. In the summer of 1991 ' Of Life and Existence' would be started. Recorded in Akron Ohio at D&R Studio's it would take two months. " We would play a show, drive all night, record half the next day and take off for another show that night" says Mark. Released in January of 1992 with two sold out shows at the legendary Graffiti's. This album would be radically different from the jam band approach with the writing chores being left to Dutch. A harder more twang approach was taken. " Cowpunk" is what Dutch called it. The crowds immediately picked up on it; slam dancing and cowboy hats became the norm at Dharma Sons shows. Through out 1992 and 1993 Dharma Sons toured constantly. Reviews hype them as the "next big thing" and " the Replacements meets Pure Prairie League". ' Of Life and Existence' sold even better than its predecessor. College radio loved it. " California Cowboys" the albums single permeated the airwaves. Life was good or was it? Real life and hype are two different things. By the middle of 1993 the marriage was on the rocks, Nirvana had hit, grunge was in, egos and artistic vision's had changed. A new direction was needed if Dharma Sons was to take it to the next level. A split was decided upon and Dutch played his last show with Dharma Sons on Jan 11th 1994 to a sold out show at Aussie's in Pittsburgh. Dutch was to move to Nashville three months later and Dharma Sons have released three successful albums to date. |
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Of Life and
Existence
Credits: Recorded at D&R Studios, Akron, OH Produced by Dutch Engineered by Dan Dish and Dutch Mixed by Michael McAdams and Dutch All songs copyright 1992 RadioActive Ranch Music Lyrics and Music by Dutch Artwork and Photos by Mark Pluchinski
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Musicians:
Dutch- Lead Vocals, Guitars,
Keyboards and Mandolin
Mark Pluchinski- Vocals, guitars and Harmonica Bill Warnick- Drums and Vocals Matt Dudek- Bass and Vocals
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