The Dotted Line - s/t

This is a solo project from Brian Wilson Band member Scott Bennett and will leave fans of Jon Brion, Jason Falkner, Wondermints, Neil Finn, Kevin Gilbert and Owsley with jaws to the floor. You`ll hear some David Mead and Andy Stochansky vocally and, of course, Wilson-like harmonies. Anthemic song-writing and musicianship are a large part of the equation, but their greatest appeal may be in the soaring, lush and heartfelt vocals. Punchy and catchy, yet atmospheric and emotional, their debut has the rare combination of being as moving as it is tuneful. Each song whips up pulse-stopping slides into confident, richly rewarding hook-magic, all saturated with an incredible commitment to the production qualities of all the aforementioned artists/bands.

Scott Bennett has spent the last few years as a key member of Beach Boys founder Brian Wilsons touring ensemble, a group who Paul McCartney calls, the best band on the road, period. Influenced by both legends, but with their own distinct sound, the dotted line bring strong melodies back to the forefront of modern rock. Scott has produced and recorded with many artists, including The Flaming Lips, Material Issue and Liz Phair and is, also, an integral part of Brian Wilsons recent studio work, co-writing, singing and playing guitars, keys, vibes, bass and drums for his new releases. Brian Wilson calls him the most talented musician Ive ever met. Bennett has had the opportunity to Other musicians and collaborators on The Dotted Line`s debut include Matt Walker (Filter, Smashing Pumpkins), Bobby MacIntyre (the Twilight Singers, Greg Dulli) and Brian Wilson himself, who co-wrote and sings on a special bonus track. In the early 90`s, Scott`s own band was signed to Giant Records, then he helped form The Falling Wallendas, one of the most influential but unheralded power alternative pop bands of the 1990`s.

"It`s obvious that Bennett is well-versed in matters of classic pop and rock. With his own songs, he takes that strong foundation and builds powerful, grandly emotional music that surrounds his great vocals... In listening to this album, I immediately thought about David Mead, particularly his first release, The Luxury of Time, which surrounded his distinctive voice with similarly grandiloquent arrangements. In no way does this seem like a debut -- every song is layered with lush sounds, and there`s plenty to enjoy here, a full banquet of 11 solid tracks.. Bennett`s gifts are many, and he puts much of them on display here. His music arrives fully grown, and the arrangements are lush and impressive. The Dotted Line instantly puts Bennett into rarified company with such impressive do-it-yourself producers as Jon Brion and Jason Falkner -- with a distinctive voice that rivals that of David Mead`s. Artful, tuneful and lush, this CD is a delight -- providing over 40 minutes of smart, pleasurable listening on a most auspicious debut. "- PopMatters.

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