Disco de Dance Gavin Dance: “Dance Gavin Dance”

A lot of people are up in arms about this album. Yes, they lost a guitarist. And on top of that, they lost Johnny, their mind blowingly talented singer that blew the top off everything he sang.

I was skeptical about this record, I didn't know if they could find anyone to fill Johnny's shoes.

And Kurt isn't Johnny, but he is better than just good. I dislike guest appearances on songs, detest them for the most part, and was disappointed to see that Dance Gavin Dance had 3 lined up for the new album.

And at first I didn't like those 3 songs (Uneasy Hearts Weigh The Most, Caviar, and Rock Solid), but they grew on me. I love Uneasy Hearts, still dislike Caviar, and Rock Solid is alright.

As for the rest of the songs, I love almost every single one.

The feel they created on Downtown Battle Mountain is still there.

The melody is still there, the great guitar work is still there, the playoffs between singing and screaming are still intricate and engaging.

I love Jonathan's screaming, it reminds me a lot of Fear Before The March Of Flames.

One thing that caught me off guard was the number of f-bombs.

I'm pretty sure there's a couple in every song, and the last track, People You Know has about 16. And it doesn't bother me, but it might some people.

All in all this album is only a slight step down from Downtown Battle Mountain, simply because of the loss of Johnny's vocals. The music is right up to par, and honestly I love listening to it, I've played it a couple dozen times and it hasn't gotten old yet.

Highly recommended.

I guess there will be two versions of DGD, Jonny Craig, and Kurt Travis. Like a lot of people, I was hooked by Craig's voice and followed him to Emarosa and kind of dismissed this album and Happiness. I came back to them in the last year and they are really fantastic and I have grown to love Kurt's voice as well.

The songs definitely get more experimental than on Downtown Battle Mountain, and that's a good thing. They seem to have a little more fun with this release, and less aggression. Musically, I believe they stepped it up. They are free from pretty much all cliches and it's incredibly original. Songs like Hot Water on Wool are just brilliant. I also love Rock Solid, the breakdown gives me chills.

Kurt has a different approach than Jonny, less taking over the song and more fitting into it. They also feature some guest vocals, which are terrific. All the musicians are terrific with their instruments, meshing together better than the first album, something they have continued to do with each release.

Overall, really a unique album, well written, another great chapter by the band.

If they can top this one, I'll be very impressed. The sonics are unparalleled here; make sure you listen with good headphones. The layering and dueling of the guitars is great, all of the roughness from previous works has been refined. I loved 'Downtown Battle Mountain', however I unfortunately listened to it way too many times, so this album tides me over. Every song on the self-title is a keeper, a perfect mixture of harmony and discord.

I didn't think this when I first listened. You have to put it on while you're doing something idle; slowly your brain will get the pattern down and you will "get" the album. This is common with almost all of my favorite albums; I was never swept away by them the first time I listened to them. Anyway, if you give it a couple spins and keep an open mind in regards to their changed line-up, I'm confident you will like what you hear.

First off, let me start by saying this band is one of my favorites so this review will be a tad biased.

The Ex-Vocalist Kurt Travis did a solid job on this album, and has an amazing voice,granted, he's no Jonny, but he can sing. The music like always for DGD is fun, intricate, and entertaining. The sing-scream formula is on par with their past records. However, the lyrics are awful, with the possible exception of "Uneasy Hearts Weigh The Most" and "People You Know", There is far too much cussing which would put a lot of people off. If you don't care about lyrics and cussing, and love post-hardcore music, definitely give this record a shot. Also, for me, this album still hasn't gotten old, I give it a listen or two every week.

Recommended if you like: The Fall Of Troy, The Number Twelve Looks Like You, Five Minute Ride, and Emarosa.

yaknow honestly there is too much cussing

there is one really good song to me...

i dont think it was the best investment i have ever made tho.