Release Radar: Tristan Dolce 'Medium True'

The LA-based singer-songwriter shines on his full-length debut

Cover art for Tristan Dolce’s ‘Medium True.’ Photo courtesy of the artist.

Good Morning!

Today we’re listening to ‘Medium True’ by singer-songwriter Tristan Dolce.

---

We don’t run ads here. On Repeat is made entirely possible through the support of our paid supporters. If you enjoy what we’re doing, please consider becoming one.

---

It’s usually poor form to tell a musician they sound like someone else during an initial email volley, even if, in my case, it’s said as high praise.

Yet, that’s exactly the rake I stepped on when first talking to LA-based musician/recording engineer Tristan Dolce. In my defense, he does sound incredibly like Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard, and to Dolce’s credit, he cited the band as an early influence.

As noted, Dolce is also an engineer and has a full resume of credits, including Fleetwood Mac, Fontaines DC, Lucinda Williams, and Yard Act. He also spent several years as a touring musician, playing shows worldwide with Chase Long Beach.

After helping bring so many other artists’ sounds to life, it only made sense for him to do the same with his music. He’s previously released a couple of singles, but for all intents and purposes, ‘Medium True’ is a debut record.

Looking at the cassette’s cover, I initially got the impression that Dolce was a one-man band (that’s him on the front, btw), but the liner notes show he has a full band, with a further nine guest musicians— including at least two other Dolces that I have to assume he’s related to.

With those numbers come a wide variety of instruments, and listeners are treated to everything from trumpets to vibraphones to a (checks notes) whirliszer.

So, how does the record sound? Setting aside my faux pas, Dolce’s voice does sound like DCFC. And with lines like I Still Feel Like I’m 25/What a time to be pretending to be alive (from the opening track, Alaska), the words do, too. But other than Digging Too Deep, that’s where most of the similarities end. Alaska is a nice, easy on-ramp to the record. Lead single Willow Springs doesn't exactly go hard, but it is a lively track and arguably the dynamic on the record.

Tracks like the aforementioned Digging Too Deep and Ring Ring showcase Dolce’s voice, the latter more a lullaby than anything. The penultimate track, King of the Arroyo, is a steel guitar-guided journey to the desert. Before the record’s done, there are field trips to the indie pop universe, country rock, and more. His voice and that variety of sounds make Medium True a compelling listen.

Dolce also recorded & mixed ‘Medium True,’ and his skill as an engineer is plainly evident. The quality shines through even when listening to the record on a torn-up portable player I borrowed from my mom.

That’s also meant as high praise, by the way.

---

---

Listen:

Tristan Dolce | Medium True, 2023

Click the record to listen on the platform of your choice.

Grab your copy here. | Connect with the Dolce | Listen on Spotify

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this record!

---

Thanks for being here,

Kevin—

P.S. Yes, it’s mid-January, but it’s still a great time to check out the On Repeat Gift Guide! Lots of people in the community are creating beautiful things just waiting for you to find them! The holidays might’ve passed, but Valentines Day is coming!