Amateurs “If We Dare Win”

Amateurs
If We Dare Win
Grey Goals

Ex-Chicoan turned Los Angeles rocker Keith Waggoner may not ever sell a million records or be a household name, but he is constantly reinventing himself musically. Since 2007′s Speak Easy, Waggoner and the Amateurs have surrounded themselves with a whole new cast of characters which in turn has brought about a different direction; from artsy uncertainty to a confident, more mature legible style. If We Dare Win takes a more optimistic approach from previous efforts with the inspired and energetic A-side “Chain Reaction.” Along with Waggoner’s upbeat pep is the tasteful craft of Brandon Goldstein’s drumming and colorful flavor provided by Tony Nichols on trumpet. The B-side begins with “Karma King,” a more mellow track with a somber feel accented by solid most notably by trumpet and violin. The title track ends the all-too-brief reincarnation from Waggoner, which shows much maturity and hope for things to come.
Zachary Ahern

Tags: amateurs, b side, chain reaction, goldstein, household name, maturity, mellow track, million records, optimistic approach, pep, Reincarnation, tony nichols, trumpet, uncertainty, violin, waggoner