Third Of Never: Damage The Pearl

One musician that has impressed me lately is North Carolinian Jon Dawson. He has his hands involved in a number of projects including Third Of Never. I became familiar with the band a couple years back having reviewed the band’s previous albums Austerity (2017) and Downsizing (2013), both fine albums. After eight years the band has a new album titled Damage The Pearl, a soundtrack to the movie of the same name and will soon be released as an independent film.

Playing on the album are:
Doug Macmillan (vocals)
Sara Bell (vocals, mandolin)
Jon Dawson (guitars, Mellotron, synthesizer, tabla guitar, drums, snaps, field recordings, spoken word, backing vocals)
Jade Haskins (bass, acoustic guitar, ukulele, piano)
Steve Potak (piano, keyboards, organ
John “Rabbit� Bundrick (organ, keyboards, vocals)
Tony Stiglitz (drums, percussion, backing vocals)
Joe Gray (drums)
Benjy Johnson (strings)
Steve Kilbey (vocals)
Tara Tisch-Wallace (vocals)

The band play retro inspired rock and pop with hints of experimentalism and electron musings scattered about. It is catchy yet not overtly commercial, a tribute to Dawson’s unconventional arrangements and eclectic creativity. “Grab The Ground� is a catchy Tom Petty inspired pop rocker ending with an ethereal part that shows the band’s creative edge. Nice female and male vocals and an urgent tempo give “Rolling Down A Hill� shades of new wave and a wonderfully addictive quality. “20 Million Miles� features a neat keyboard intro, organ background soundscapes and dream-like lead vocals. At times the keys and synths give this one a spacey vibe. With “Wild Piece� the band channels early punk rock, I even hear a little Stranglers in the rhythms and keyboards. Bundrick’s keyboards are ever present in this one. The trippy “Frank and Paul’s Theme� features Sara Bell’s fine mandolin work and an overall spacey, electronic vibe. The enhanced vocals in the quirky pop of “Bunny Bread� even brought back memories of the excellent Flash and the Pan!

I love the all-around experimental edge and quirky nature that permeates Damage The Pearl. An impressive album to say the least. Recommended!

Track Listing:
1. Grab the Ground
2. Rolling Down A Hill
3. 20 Million Miles
4. Wild Piece
5. Frank and Paul’s Theme
6. Safety Pin
7. Flares, pt. II
8. Bunny Bread
9. 17 Dollars
10. Salted In the Shell
11. Damage the Pearl
12. Alone At the Fair

Added: January 15th 2026
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 23
Language: english

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