Best.Band.Ever. - Dance Gavin Dance

From inventing Times New Roman to having a drug addicted front man and going through 6 different member changes thus far, Dance Gavin Dance has had it's work cut out for them. Beginning as a sextet consisting of Jonny Craig (sung vocals), Jonathon Mess (screamed vocals), Sean O' Sullivan (guitar), Will Swan (guitar), Matt Mingus (drums), and Eric Lodge (bass), DGD now only has two of their remaining original members in their line-up, but is still running strong and has not lost an ounce of integrity in their music from all the changes (including currently being on their 3rd bassist). Since their inception in 2005, they have released one EP, Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean, and 2 full lengths, Downtown Battle Mountain and Dance Gavin Dance, with a third being released on June 9th titled Happiness.

Dance Gavin Dance's sound is one of the most progressive in the post-hardcore scene with technical guitar work strung consistantly throughout each and every song that hinges on experimental. The dual vocal approach with a singer with a beautiful wide range, Kurt Travis, backed by deep growls from their guitarist Will Swan have given them their signature sound along with the guitar work as aforementioned. The band has consistantly pushed boundries on each album from the 5 minute masterpiece on Downtown Battle Mountain, "I Told Them I Invented Times New Roman" which gave the band their first push into success to slowing it down without losing their experimental nature with the sexual and violent piece "Uneasy Hearts Weigh The Most" on their self-titled album.

Beyond the superb musicianship, Dance Gavin Dance has made a name for itself through it's use of disoriented lyrics throughout their albums. Many of their songs may have a theme somewhere deep rooted in them, but the lyrics leave the listener confused yet satisfied in some odd way. A line at the end of "I Told Them I Invented Times New Roman" has even inspired some people to get a tattoo of it ("Fight Until The War Is Over"), even though Jon Mess has personally stated the line was meant to be cliche emo.

Their live show takes nothing away from their recorded CD, either. Bringing the same power and prestige to the stage gives Dance Gavin Dance even more right to the throne. While Will may stumble through some of the difficult lead lines during the parts he has to scream along with as well, he shows great execution of knowledge of his instrument and voice, simultaneously. Kurt makes a great front man and everyone looks into the music and loves what they do. A great show to see, indeed.

Throughout the years, these boys have caused quite the stir in the music scene because of the dirty laundry aired when Jonny left/was kicked out, but have held their ground firm with their music and kept trugging along. They truly love what they do, and their music is passionate and intricate. They truly deserve the title of "Best.Band.Ever." in my books.

[matrocksteady]