We Don't See Any Dancing
Dance Gavin Dance gets tough for their third album
Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance
Released on Aug 19, 2008
Losing two of the their key players didn’t seem to leave California natives Dance Gavin Dance at any loss for words. Their self-titled full-length album, aptly referred to by some as “The Death Star Album”, screams victory in every song. With the addition of former Five Minute Ride vocalist Kurt Travis, and the band’s old merch man Zac Garren on guitar, this broken band has re-emerged more driven than ever before. The album, which also boasts a handful of guest appearances, was released on the band’s longtime label Rise Records.
Jon Mess provides screamed vocals that could satisfy most hardcore fans in the albums premier track, “Alex English”, this feeling, however, must not have been shared by Mess himself, as bassist Eric Lodge and himself left the band shortly after recording concluded. If you’re keeping track that’s four original members gone before the album was released; they might has well have just named the album “1/3 of Dance Gavin Dance.” “Buffalo” follows “Alex English”, an action packed anthem that will bring fans back to the good old days.
“The Robot With Human Hair Pt. 3” is the third installment in the series of songs, this time graced with new vocals, but the song’s building blocks are essentially the same as the first two parts featured on Whatever I say is Royal Ocean, which was released two years prior. “Hot Water On Wool” and “Hot Water On Wool (Reprise)”, or as I fondly call them “Hot Water On Wool” and “Still Hot Water On Wool”, provide some of the blood and guts on the album, with DGD’s trademark duel style vocals and whimsical guitar trances.
Gatsby’s American Dream Nic Newsham charters his talents for use in the track “Uneasy hearts Weigh The Most”. This track will appeal to a more general fan base than the rest of the album due in part to the fact that it has an entirely different sound than the all other songs by the band. The song is a laid-back, sometimes funny and sometimes creepy love song. It sounds more like it should be featured on a Gym Class Heroes’ album, rather than Dance Gavin Dance’s hardest album to date.
The band’s withheld anger starts to break free at this point in the album. “Rock Solid” enlists vocalist Matt Geise from tour mates Lower Definition. Starting off with an anger infused introduction, the song lulls into a somber section before being interrupted by a quirky beer-themed skit.
Dance Gavin Dance pulls together a strong finish to their album, with the unbelievably brutal and frank “People you Know”. The first half of the track in dominated by Jon Mess’ rant of betrayal, sex and a society of non-existent morals; Kurt Travis takes over the remainder of the track and utilizes electronic drumbeats and even manages to find a place for chipmunk vocal effects. While it may not be built upon Dance Gavin Dance’s traditional mold, this song brings closure to a damn good album by a highly overlooked band.
High Point
The contrast between the two parts of “People You Know” is great. They are such polar opposites, yet they combine to make a truly masterful song.
Low Point
“Skyhook” is a little weak and a terrible lead in for “People You Know”.
Posted by Andrew Scott on Aug 14, 2008 @ 12:00 am
