“A heartfelt folk- and country-rock that’s reminiscent of My Morning Jacket, Strand Of Oaks, and Kevin Morby…sneakily catchy…rolling on through Lewis’ meditations until it gets to a beautifully fuzzed-out, Beatles-esque guitar at its climax.”
“Intimate, country-tinged indie-rock…with more than meets the eye…unexpected, slightly psychedelic guitar…capping off Lewis’ gripping, climactic journey.”
“‘See You In The Morning’ is simply classic. It is music from a bygone era where songs made you smile, your heart skip a beat, and your mind gets lost in the stories…Not many artists can make you stop and contemplate your life, and we’re learning quickly that Lewis is quite extraordinary.”
“Lewis’ time in the Big Apple has really rubbed off in his vocal style which sometimes resembles the moroseness of Interpol (“Space Sister”); other times falling more into the soulful, singer/ songwriter realm of Jeff Buckley (“Darling”)…with Lewis’ confident drawl and intriguing lyrics, Dear Lions could become a formidable rock duo.”
“An honest and emotive sonic backdrop, marked by Lewis’ heartbreaking lyrics.”
Lying To My Lies, EP
Self-Released, 2011. Reissued by Street Mission Records, 2022.
Listen on Bandcamp
“A lot of comparisons have surrounded the indie-rock band Dear Lions since first releasing their self-titled debut back in the spring. They’ve ranged from Jens Lekman to The Smiths, even all the way to Big Star, but while their influences are notable and often evident, what makes their music so enjoyable are the warm and welcoming vocals of Ricky Lewis…”
“Smiths-ish…about the travails of love and hard work, with a heart of pure Americana.”
“Lead track 'Bastard Song' announces itself with a guitar line copped from The Cure, before blooming into a gorgeously understated anthem that calls to mind no less than John Cale’s best 70’s solo output. One of 2011's best songs so far.”
“These four NY indie rockers skillfully produced, engineered and mixed their own debut EP. 'Bastard Song' and 'Talk Talk Talk' have a moody, gentler Local Natives feel, with some gorgeous guitar tones that remind me of Cold War Kids. 'City Daze' is clearly New York inspired, not only lyrically but also in how strong and steady it hits you, striking confidently with unique vocals and a guitar melody that holds sort of a classic Rolling Stones aesthetic.”
– The Wild Honey Pie