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The Dalles

- Austin, TX Rock / Soul / Folk

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About

Members: Ben Ballinger, Blue Mongeon, Drew Brunetti, Chris D’Annunzio

Sounds Like: Wilco, Frank Smith, Whitman, East Cameron Folkcore

Manager: Samantha Phelps

Bio: The Dalles are a band made from scratch, with a purpose. Combining the songwriting talents of Ben Ballinger and Blue Mongeon, the tight, inventive drumming of Drew Brunetti, and the thoughtful, in-the-pocket bass playing of Chris D’Annunzio, The Dalles play strong and wild, curious, intentional r... See Full Bio

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Status

The Dalles next show is on Friday, September 7th with The Black & White Years, Waldo & The Naturals, The Baker Family & Shakey Graves.

Press

“Moody, muscular rock, tender country touches (Mike and the Moonpies' Zach Moulton guests on pedal steel) and singer Ben Ballinger's Dylan-esque lyrical phrasing make this a monster debut EP. I can't wait to hear what's next.”

— Paul Carrubba, Austin Monthly

“After a chance encounter with Blue Mongeon on a bus heading to Boston about six years ago, Ben Ballinger kept in contact with Mongeon and then moved from The Dalles, Oregon (also the band’s namesake) to Austin to start a band. The band is less than a year old, but will release their debut album My Own Private White House on Feb. 11 at Hole in the Wall. Each member, Ballinger, Mongeon, Drew Brunetti and Chris D’Annunzio, come from “different corners of America” and musical styles that help shape The Dalles’ sound. (Please note this press clipping is "interview style" - to read the entire interview, please follow the link below to UWeekly ATX).”

— Sarah Vasquez, UWeekly ATX

“Maybe it was hearing them for the first time that won me over, or perhaps it was the excitement over their impressive renegade performances in the Capitol building. Ultimately, if The Dalles seven-track EP My Own Private White House is any indication of things to come, I’m already looking forward to a full-length release. The Austin-based quartet, whose members each hail from different parts of the country but made the Live Music Capital their home, brazenly let their Americana-rooted rock ‘n’ roll run wild, fueled by stellar vocal harmonies that fire up the blood. Major kudos to Ben Ballinger and Blue Mongeon, the core songwriters of the group who aren’t shy about delivering music with a provocative message to titillate the ears and the mind, and the talents of drummer Drew Brunetti and bassist Chris D’Annunzio.”

— Laurie Gallardo, KUT 90.5

“A few weeks ago, local filmmaker Reid Connell paid a visit to the Texas Capitol building with Austin quartet The Dalles. Connell was going to film the band playing, sans amps and mics, within in the majestic, high-ceiling dome of the distinguished late 19th century building. Apparently, the acoustics there are amazing. And the resulting performance was fantastic. It’s sounds a bit strange, but it’s completely legal. The band members aren’t originally from Austin, but eventually made there way here and formed their band last year. Initially, they had a slightly darker approach to their music style on a couple of their earlier tracks. However, their new EP My Own Private White House reveals a more ambitious rock and pop side, topped with headstrong harmonies and upbeat melodies. But there remains a message, a profound empathy within the lyrics. Songwriters Ben Ballinger and Blue Mongeon give a powerful voice to a wide range of feelings.”

— Laurie Gallardo, KUT Austin Music Minute

“Austin four-piece The Dalles (rhymes with “pals”) take their name from a small town in Oregon. It comes from a French word for a kind of stone native to the area. The name is apt, because the band brings their own brand of earnest rock to our area. The band assembles players from all over the country, but the foursome have planted roots here in Austin. The Dalles consists of main songwriters Ben Ballinger and Blue Mongeon, drummer Drew Brunetti and bassist Chris D’Annunzio. This Saturday the band headlines a show at Hole in the Wall to celebrate the release of their seven-song debut EP My Own Private White House. Today’s song of the day “Ambulance” is an exclusive glimpse of what’s to come on the record. The song grooves on a back-alley beat and a moody melody. It’s a stone-solid track from a band that knows how to make good, honest rock ‘n’ roll.”

— Paul Carrubba, KUT Austin

“First impression, southern flavored indie-rock meets Dire Straits with solid guitar slides and interesting country choruses. “Aint Teaching Me Anything” is the song I tuned into, and it’s a solid southern marinated jam dipped head first into some interesting guitar work. Next up was a track known as “Wanderlust”, and it dispenses some phat drumming, quick snaps and snare hits, while the story evokes a man who is self medicating to escape the complication of a failed romance. The 90’s nostalgia of yesteryear is ever present in “White House”, which to me summoned Soundgarden, Ever-clear, with some monster guitar tone. Finally, “Pocketknife”, a brave and eerie tune, displays a darker quality with some pain swallowed back in the form of a whiskey shot. The lyrics shout, “Life hits you in the cheek, and the world turns” and I can’t help but to consider that themes of the cruelties of life, dealing and absorbing painful situations are being animated in a bitterswee”

— Cane-O, ATX Music Mag

“Sometimes, the darkness seems to have no end in sight, no light at the end. Nothing. That may be a bit bleak for some personal tastes, but a band like The Dalles has a way of giving voice to that intense experience.”

— Laurie Gallardo, KUT Austin Music Minute

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