- Sticking With It on CD

On their Dualtone Records debut Sticking With It, Seattle-based seven-piece The Dip deliver the kind of unbridled soul/R&B that hits on every emotional level, inciting everything from raw catharsis to heavy-hearted reckoning to wildly exuberant joy. In a major breakthrough for the band, the self-produced album fully channels the vitality of the freewheeling live show that’s earned them an ardent following over the last decade, expertly matching their sophisticated musicianship with a fantastically loose energy. When met with The Dip’s lyrical reflection on matters both timely (the crush of late capitalism, the glaring need for true community) and undeniably timeless (the vast complexities of love and loss), the resulting body of work captures the mood of the current moment while offering immediate escape into a more elevated state of mind.

After years of defying trends and following their own distinct vision, The Dip have steadily amassed a passionate fanbase (an element reflected in their tremendous organic success on Spotify). And in the making of Sticking With It, the band kept their ever-growing reach in mind, ultimately arriving at their most impactful work to date. “We definitely saw this album as an opportunity to say something that could have a real effect on people’s lives,” says Eddy. “With the lyrics I tried to evoke certain emotions that aren’t often showcased in popular music, with the hope that people will come away feeling validated or understood.” To that end, the title to Sticking With It partly refers to the joyful sense of gritty perseverance The Dip hope to impart to their audience. “We’re in this strange moment when sometimes it’s difficult to even get out of bed because of what’s going on in the world,” says Lundgren. “But over the years we’ve had so many people tell us that our songs have helped them get through a rough patch, or break through to a new beginning in their lives. That’s something we’re honored to provide for everyone, and hopefully these songs will do the same.”