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From "Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean" (2006), the band Dance Gavin Dance (DGD) plays no games in being a great band in the rock industry. As a fan since the debut of their album "Downtown Battle Mountain II" (2011) with singer Jonny Craig, transitioning with Kurt Travis and progressing through with their latest singer Tilian Pearson. Growing into the frenzy of being a fan, I've become so self-indulged in their music and I'm always eager for what's to come next.
At the height of their success, Dance Gavin Dance has come a long way with the release of their newest album "Artificial Selection" (2018). With fan favorite singles like "Midnight Crusade" and "Care," the album is a follow up to the band's last trophy album "Mothership" (2016). However, is "Artificial Selection" (2018), a well-succeeding album? And why should Dance Gavin Dance deserve its praise? With the concept of any review, a talk of what the band does well is at play here. So let's take a look at what I consider good/great, and what smart decisions the band has done.
Good:
1. The style and progression are constantly changing.
DGD has a good track record of constantly changing their style in each album and songs they showcase. Going from a smooth rhythm to a poppy indie beat, to a hard-hitting rock banger. This leaves an open perspective on fans and room for new fans to come and enjoy what they have to offer.
2. Most songs feel catchy and are complete bangers.
3. Although most songs have absurd lyrics, both Tilian and Jon Mess commit to making the song just as great.
Unclean vocalist Jon Mess does a great job in conveying a charming but weird appeal into the lyrics he screams. From the almost rap rhythm in the end verse of "Midnight Crusade" to the beautiful back and forth sync in "Care."
4. Will, Tim, Matt and Andrew are completely amazing with creating great instrumental work. Creating astonishing melodies, that start songs off well and carry the songs smoothly.
5. The singles are complete hype trains and are complete solid gold.
The singles were able to provide quite a lot of hype for the album and were able to present a premise of how different the album would be compared to their successors.
6. Songs like "Count Bassy" and "Flash" feel like sequels to songs the band previously made like "Summertime Gladness" and "Frozen One."
"Count Bassy" sounds and looks like a sequel to "Summertime Gladness," and "Flash" gives off similar vibes of "Frozen One" from "Mothership" (2016).
7. The inclusion of featuring artists.
DGD doesn't normally have featuring artists join their songs and it's been a while since they have. So to see that implemented in this album was a bit of a change of pace. It's almost like adding extra frosting to the cake. "Shelf Life" being composed completely well and featuring former Dance Gavin Dance and now Royal Coda singer Kurt Travis creates a huge sense of nostalgia for fans. Labeling the song "Happiness part 2."
Whereas "Evaporate" is filled with nostalgia as fans label the song "a goodbye/thanks for being fans" song. While featuring singer Andrew Wells from the band Eidola (also DGD's backup vocalist/guitarist), the song references and takes lyrics from eight of Dance Gavin Dance's most popular fan-favorite songs. As fans became almost worried of the band pulling a "What A Catch, Donnie" like Fall Out Boy did back in 2008, announcing their hiatus/break up two years after the release of their nostalgic goodbye themed song with their popular songs referencing. But to good news, lead singer Tilian was able to confirm with fans on Twitter that this album isn't, in fact, their last album and that the band can keep on rocking as much as their fans want them to!
8. Their music video for "Son of Robot"
DGD is not only famous for their weird lyrics but for their Robot with Human Hair series. Narrative music videos telling the story of the Robot with Human Hair in the post-apocalyptic world of Thug City. Each album since "Whatever I Say is Royal Ocean"(2006) till "Mothership"(2016) has had its own addition to the series creating a giant story, some having music videos and while others didn't. As this album included "Son of Robot", while "Mothership" included "Young Robot" and "Inspire The Liars," and "Instant Gratification"(2015) included "Stroke God Millionaire."
Nonetheless, the best album can't always have its good notes. Here are some of the things I've considered to be not as great but could be a bit improve in future albums.
Bad:
1. Some songs take a little while to really fit into
Now don't get me wrong, while most of the songs in the album are great, some songs do fall beneath the cracks and become a bit missable at first. For example songs like "The Rattler," or "Slouch." However, after several listenings, I could say that they do start to reel me in.
2. Sometimes it feels like the songs don't allow each singer to shine equally or respectfully. As some songs become Jon heavy and some songs feel Tilian heavy.
Although most songs have the repetitive formula of having a back and forth motion of between Tilian and Jon, some songs do have moments where one singer takes up a lot of the spotlight than the other. Songs like "Count Bassy" feel very Tilian heavy with Jon shining at the very end, or songs like "The Rattler" or "Bloodsucker" that are very Jon heavy with Tilian shining at certain moments to covey a chorus/bridge or is put towards the end to seal the deal. It's not that big of a huge deal, but fans have had speculations and minor complaints about this small issue.
Overall, I give the album a solid 9 out of 10. The band delivers great tracks and provides a great new change up in their style, giving fans just exactly what they wanted.
Dance Gavin Dance Performing in their Concert Tour on June 9th in Sayreville, NJPhoto by Jay Evans
Nonetheless, most recently Dance Gavin Dance have announced a tour showcasing some of the songs from the new album like "Midnight Crusade" and "Care." Fortunately, I've had the privilege to go to their concert during their current tour and had an amazing time! My ears are still ringing from being so up close and from how loud the band rocked that stage. And of course, my neck is still sore from the violent headbanging. DGD is such a charismatic and caring band, as the band supports their Swanposting fan group, and look out for their fellow fans.
For example, during the concert, a man crowd surfed and literally landed face first into the floor right in front of the band. While the man got up Tilian and Jon checked if the man was okay and gave the man a shout out. They even encouraged the fan to redeem themselves and crowd-surf safely to the next song. Another example is the band interacting with their fans on Twitter. The band is phenomenal and honestly deserve their praise for being such a great genuine band, and being very supportive to their fans. So check out Dance Gavin Dance and check out their newest album Artificial Selection! I know I'm still listening.
Dance Gavin Dance performing in Sayreville, NJ Photo by Jay Evans
Check out the link below to hear the album on Spotify!
