Acting as a sort of sister album to 2017's
America, Location 12, New England folk-rock power trio
Dispatch returned a year later with the slightly darker-hued
Location 13. Released unconventionally, one song at a time over the summer of 2018, the thoughtful ten-song set was collated into album form in September, slotting into the veteran group's canon as studio album number seven. In terms of construction and overall tone, it follows in the more expansive West Coast tone of its predecessor, captured once again at Marin County's bucolic Panoramic House studio by returning producer/engineer team
John Dragonetti and
Mike Sawitzke.
Dispatch's patent three-part harmonies, rousing choruses, and big jammy grooves are all present here as they explore both inner worlds of their own and contemporary social and political issues, from police brutality and race issues to the rights of indigenous people. Kicking off with a lighter, more sentimental note, opener "Cross the World" recounts the band's own history, coming off as a kind of "Ballad of Dispatch" tale. The fiery campfire stompers "Daft Alchemist" and "Letter to Lady J" have a tuneful exultant indie folk flavor to them while more subtle highlights like the gentle "London Daughters" and the soulful, horn-laden "Prisoner's Visitor" show the band's ample range.