Dance Gavin Dance - Happiness

[Blake Solomon]

Dance Gavin Dance – Happiness
Record Label: Rise Records
Release Date: June 9, 2009

Dance Gavin Dance’s Happiness nears its midway point; “Happiness” just ended with the album’s uproarious mixture of prog guitars and Me-So-Angry hollering. “Self-Trepanation”, which is actually a really icky thing (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trepanation), comes next with its club hopping effects and angsty singing: “No one believes me / They’re always on your side / Every time.” And it’s good and it’s loud and I like it. But at the same time I feel like I was abducted by aliens, placed at an alien dinner table, and then served human liver. Cannibalism’s not usually my thing, but in this particular metaphor there’s a surly alien pointing a Lazer Gun at my penis. (These aliens did their research. I’ll do anything if you point a weapon at my penis.) And much to my chagrin, the human liver tastes like f**king Chicken Parmesan. I eat the whole thing. Then I ask for seconds.

Just so we’re clear: The Chicken Parm-ish liver is Happiness. The surly alien is my paralyzing fear of commitment. Cannibal Blake is the version of Blake that doesn’t search YouTube for Neil Diamond covers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ee5_K5HSA4).

I think the most important lesson I learned during my abduction, err, time with Happiness is that you just won’t know until you try. Jonny Craig’s scene persona, coupled with an addiction to everything from Black Tar Heroin to human fetuses, left me with a bad vibe. Downtown Battle Mountain was just too busy, and that’s saying something when referencing a band as schizophrenic as DGD. With those troubles thankfully behind them, the newest version of DGD could finally explore their unabashed love of (among other things) melodic hardcore, dance music, prog, and pop-punk. Adding to this newfound success is Will Swan, easily the band’s best screamer. His throaty roars never hinder the hasty playing of his or Zac Garren’s guitars. But it’s the songs like “NASA” and “Carl Barker”, where every element meets in the middle, that create the most fist pumpage. But hold on! Newbie Kurt Travis ain’t no afterthought. Whether it’s over Matt Mingus’ double bass pumps or Garren’s Fall Of Troy guitar wizardry, Travis can pull shapes with the best of them. For a band like this, where the music changes so rapidly, it really falls on the vocalists to make songs memorable. Without their strong contributions, the insanity would be wholly unlistenable.

Lyrically, well, maybe I’m out of the loop. There’s a juvenile hatred for all the scene girls DGD wade through at every show: “Beautiful girls with no ambition / Piling hair at the fucking salon.” Expressing distaste is well and good, but a line like “Please girl stay until the morning / We can have some coffee / You can do my laundry” doesn’t make for very authentic songwriting. The band would probably admit that lyricism isn’t exactly their focus (Swan’s screaming is usually unintelligible). Not surprisingly it becomes very hard to avoid said stupidity on scream-less party anthem “Don’t Tell Dave” or on the toned down rock of “Strawberry Swisher Pt. II.” Short of comparing the band’s heaviness to some sort of aural ozone layer, I’ll just say that Dance Gavin Dance is best served loud.

Maybe you won’t see me at a Dance Gavin Dance concert anytime soon. On the other hand, maybe you will. If I only did what was expected of me I’d be a balding environmental lawyer living in Akron. So even if you don’t take a chance on Happiness, try a new band from a strange genre. Who knows how it might taste.


Recommended If You Like: Chiodos, The Fall of Troy, Cuba Gooding Jr. movies, Enter Shikari, Incredible Hulk comics, Ema-whosah?


www.myspace.com/dancegavindance

[Uwe Blab]

I really like this album, but Downtown Battle Mountain can never be topped.

EDIT: Also, wasn't Drew supposed to review this?

[Blake Solomon]

I really like this album, but Downtown Battle Mountain can never be topped.

EDIT: Also, wasn't Drew supposed to review this?
he ghostwrote it, i just posted it

[Romancebled]

this album is really enjoyable. love the guitar work on it.

[xapplexpiex]

IMHO this band went downhill ever since Jonny Craig left the band. I love Downtown Battle Mountain. I'll still proly pick this up though.

[Burn That Shit]

KILL BLAKE KILL BLAKE!

x

[polygon]

Still head and shoulders above the Rise genericore roster, but this album didn't really do it for me. Neither did their last, but I like the direction their sound went a bit more this time. Still nothing too memorable, they're cursed to live in Jonny's shadow.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Between this and Death Star I can say that I'm happy with where the band is. Death Star gave me the more aggressive in your face DGD and Happiness is a more experimental DGD but by no means bad. Good job with this Blake.

[cereal4life]

Blake, your opening paragraphs never cease to confuse me.

[Burn_Burn_Burn]

you should check out my review, right here ---> http://allages.org/reviews/june-2009/dance-gavin-dance-happiness/
it's a bit more balanced than drew/blake's review.

[icynova]

This review seemed to be lacking coherancy, sometimes changing direction mid-sentence. Kind of disappointing since usually I love Drew's reviews.

This might have benefited from a heavy-handed editor?

Otherwise, thanks for the insight into the new album!

[Akissforher]

good album, almost as good as dbm

[superBMRuth]

this is their best and most cohesive work so far in my opinion. Downhill Battle Mountain was alright, but for fucks sake let's get over it now.

[Handicapdhotdog]

This album tops anything this band, or Emarosa, has ever written. Their current singer is just as good as Johnny Craig, in my opinion.

[jtyexists9]

I am sure that not many agree with me, though I find this album and the Death Star album(self titled) head and shoulders above Downtown Battle Mountain and the EP. Kurt Travis is a better fit and Will makes the screaming somewhat better.

[goldy]

i was pretty surprised by this album. fav so far this year. "Tree Village" made my iPod orgasm. yep.

[Jake Denning]

I dont agree with the Cuba Gooding Jr. rec.

Radio is a great movie, but that doesnt mean I will like this CD. AT ALL.

[therookielot]

gudd reveww bro

[ThisIsNotDan]

new stuff is a HUGE improvement over the last album

[xName Takenx]

Personally I think the "schizo" songs and busy guitars are what make DGD so unique. A solid album imo, and a good foundation to build off their next release....

[DannySniper]

Between this and Death Star I can say that I'm happy with where the band is. Death Star gave me the more aggressive in your face DGD and Happiness is a more experimental DGD but by no means bad. Good job with this Blake.
Correct.

Next release will make or break this band, though.

[trebmal]

Between this and Death Star I can say that I'm happy with where the band is. Death Star gave me the more aggressive in your face DGD and Happiness is a more experimental DGD but by no means bad.

Correct.

Next release will make or break this band, though.

Agreed.

[tommy's ghost]

The album is enjoyable. Mostly because of the guitar work. Killer riffs abound.

Also, this is one of the best reviews I've read in a long time.

[timb89]

i just dont see the hipe behind this band... if screaming is mostly incoherable, whats the point of having at all. it seems bands only add screaming as they cant hold songs with what they already have. im just not a fan. that being said this album is like a boring version of their previous one.

[fadedmemories]

I thought Circatbs was going to review this first.

[deezee]

Nice review Blake.

[TheArdentLove]

Great review Blake! One of the best I've read lately. With that said, I think you did a good job pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of this album. Lyrically, I think they're great though. "Tree Village" would be a good example of that. I've enjoyed all their albums and I hope they keep releasing more.

[sweepthenation]

Better thsn s/t, but not as good as DBM.

[Ambien]

It took me about 4-5 listens to really get into this album but there's a lot going on so I'm not surprised. It's almost like this album is split in half. Tracks 1-4 are a lot more their previous style where tracks 5-10 (starting with Happiness) are really different than anything they've done (less screaming) and songs a little more structured.

"Powder to the People" in my opinion is the best track the bands written to date. GREAT guitar work. It's more stylistic on this album as a whole. Where as I felt on previous albums riffs were simply played hard and fast I feel on this album they "groove" with the songs a lot better.

I'm enjoying the album a lot, preferring the style on the second half of the cd.

[Indie Star TV]

This album is instrumentally one of the best. I love all of the experimental guitars...so much better than the cliche breakdown that every hardcore/screamo band is playing these days.

A+ for musicmanship!

[yayitsjoe]

this is their best and most cohesive work so far in my opinion. Downhill Battle Mountain was alright, but for fucks sake let's get over it now.


this. i don't like jonny craig that much, and to be quite honest. i don't see a difference between him and the new singer. DBM is a great album, but give some of their other albums a chance. i like the untitled album a lot, and i like this one even more. it gives like a funk taste.

[FaceLixeMurder]

Love the album

[Blake Solomon]

he ghostwrote it, i just posted it
this was a joke.

[InaGreendase]

First album was listenable, but still kinda eh. Last one was mediocre too, aside from Nic's track, because it basically sounded like a Gatsbys song. This one is surprisingly decent.

[FiveIronFlores]

You lost me

[mymusicismylife]

Wasn't going to get this, but after reading the review and seeing The Fall of Troy in the RIYL I might check it out.

[ThrownAwayKyle]

Horrible review. This CD deserves something more serious by someone who isnt stuck in the past. DGD made the perfect mixture of fun and seriousness here and I dont think anything is out of place. I give it a 88%.

[barkingincision]

i just dont see the hipe behind this band... if screaming is mostly incoherable, whats the point of having at all. it seems bands only add screaming as they cant hold songs with what they already have. im just not a fan. that being said this album is like a boring version of their previous one.
super true
this album is good, and a shit ton better than their last one, but to say that this is "prog" or "experimental" is ridiculous. its obvious that dgd is trying to assimilate into the prog-post hardcore genre alongside the fall of troy and the mars volta, closure in moscow and whatnot... but they really aren't "experimenting." they aren't doing anything new, thats for sure. i mean have you heard the song "happiness?" its pretty much a very watered down ripoff of circa survive's "we're all thieves." see for yourself and compare the two.
besides the point this band doesn't come close to their material with jonny, regardless of jonny's lack of intelligence. at least this album is listenable as compared to their last awful record.

[_><_]

Great album. Their best so far.

[DogSizedBird]

I am sure that not many agree with me, though I find this album and the Death Star album(self titled) head and shoulders above Downtown Battle Mountain and the EP. Kurt Travis is a better fit and Will makes the screaming somewhat better.
this. especially death star/untitled which I listened to probably a hundred times last year. however I do like Jon Mess' screaming and lyrics better than Swan's.

[love_american_style]

listened to it once....i already knew it wasn't gonna grow on me. i guess i only liked their last album.

[Daniel Thompson]

i didn't like DBM that much, i liked the Self Titled a lot besides all the useless cussing, and i think this album sounds pretty good from what i have heard.

[carramrod2005]

Good review, not feelin this album

[InBetweenAisles]

This album was really good! I liked how they had so many different sounds to their songs.

” Expressing distaste is well and good, but a line like “Please girl stay until the morning / We can have some coffee / You can do my laundry”

hahaha!

[simensays]

This album blew. I blame it on the screamer, his voice just sounds bad. Johnny Cant be beat, so i'm not going to mention the first album. The self-titled album was really catchy and good. I liked almost all the songs.
Nevertheless, imo, it is a bad year for posthardcore bands. All their releases sucked compared to their previous
A skylit drive has gone downhill
Dance Gavin Dance should change their name
DDG- actually had a return to form, but doesn't top In Vogue

[Petzl]

This is no DBM but I think they have finally found their sound...this is far better than the Deathstar album. I listen to it frequently.

[therookielot]

This album blew. I blame it on the screamer, his voice just sounds bad. Johnny Cant be beat, so i'm not going to mention the first album. The self-titled album was really catchy and good. I liked almost all the songs.
Nevertheless, imo, it is a bad year for posthardcore bands. All their releases sucked compared to their previous
A skylit drive has gone downhill
Dance Gavin Dance should change their name
DDG- actually had a return to form, but doesn't top In Vogue
Why does a band need to change their name when they go for a new style? Brand New has been a different band for 3 albums, and they haven't changed their name?

[Seven-Tx7]

Why does a band need to change their name when they go for a new style? Brand New has been a different band for 3 albums, and they haven't changed their name?
Well said, sir. This is a great album btw. It's very interesting to say the least. Nice review, Blake :thumbup:

[brenByah]

Are the lyrics any better this time around? The lyrics on their last record were by far the worst I've ever heard on any album, which is why I haven't given this one a listen.

[simensays]

Why does a band need to change their name when they go for a new style? Brand New has been a different band for 3 albums, and they haven't changed their name?

Well said, sir. This is a great album btw. It's very interesting to say the least. Nice review, Blake :thumbup:

I had such a great response typed up on my computer about 15 minutes ago, but my computer died and I lost it. It was quite long, so i'm pissed- but i'll say it again.

1: Don't compare Brand New with DGD.
Brand New has changed their music each album considerably, but they haven't lost any members. Biggest change was obviously Your Favorite Weapon - Deja Entendu.

DGD has not changed their music, in fact, all their songs are watered down replicas of Backward Pumpkin Song and Lemon Meringue Tie. Or atleast the guitaring is. The screams have stayed the same, fast-paced nonsense. However they managed to do it with a different screamer.
DGD first LP (Downtown Battle Mountain) has two vocalist that are no longer apart of the band. Brand New is intact.
I personally hate Taking Back Sunday now, but if Adam Lazarra left and Marilyn Manson took the mic, would you still want it to be called Taking Back Sunday. I know that's extreme, but this DGD isn't the band that got them known, this is a band that now covers DGD first LP songs.

im not going to go back and edit this- i hope its clear.

[dru]

i really like this band's direction. i loved DTMB and enjoyed Deathstar, but this is by far the most creative album. I love how this album was very technical, but at the same time groovy and pop-punky. I cannot wait for the next.

[LilRyan732]

yeah as a reviewer, he clearly has no idea what he's talking about.

the dangerous summer: 95%
a day to remember: 48%

never shout never: 61%
a loss for words: 38%

stop using ratings as a shock device (this isn't pitchfork) and get some fucking credibility.

[TotalCollapse]

This album was an improvement from the Death Star album, but still not that great. Downtown Battle Mountain is much better.

[therookielot]

I had such a great response typed up on my computer about 15 minutes ago, but my computer died and I lost it. It was quite long, so i'm pissed- but i'll say it again.

1: Don't compare Brand New with DGD.
Brand New has changed their music each album considerably, but they haven't lost any members. Biggest change was obviously Your Favorite Weapon - Deja Entendu.

DGD has not changed their music, in fact, all their songs are watered down replicas of Backward Pumpkin Song and Lemon Meringue Tie. Or atleast the guitaring is. The screams have stayed the same, fast-paced nonsense. However they managed to do it with a different screamer.
DGD first LP (Downtown Battle Mountain) has two vocalist that are no longer apart of the band. Brand New is intact.
I personally hate Taking Back Sunday now, but if Adam Lazarra left and Marilyn Manson took the mic, would you still want it to be called Taking Back Sunday. I know that's extreme, but this DGD isn't the band that got them known, this is a band that now covers DGD first LP songs.

im not going to go back and edit this- i hope its clear.
Marilyn Manson and Adam Lazarra are way too different for one to take the othe'rs place haha. Kurt and Johnny at least sing in a similar fashion. That doesn't warrant or really back up my comment, which was totally my opinon. I don't think any band should have to change their name unless they want to. Even if key members left, there's still the ORIGINAL lead guitarist and ORIGINAL drummer who wrote most of the music in the first place. Mess even said himself that Will IS dance gavin dance. It's their right if they want to change or not.

[nickthehick2]

I thought I would be the only one who liked it. Awesome

[thedaywedied]

once i got over the fact that Downtown Battle Mountain is the best album they will ever write... i enjoyed Happiness

and was pleasantly surprised as to how much better it was than 'S/T'

[Sherrice]

I haven't listened to DGD since Downtown Battle Mountain. I might change that.

[Seven-Tx7]

I had such a great response typed up on my computer about 15 minutes ago, but my computer died and I lost it. It was quite long, so i'm pissed- but i'll say it again.

1: Don't compare Brand New with DGD.
Brand New has changed their music each album considerably, but they haven't lost any members. Biggest change was obviously Your Favorite Weapon - Deja Entendu.

DGD has not changed their music, in fact, all their songs are watered down replicas of Backward Pumpkin Song and Lemon Meringue Tie. Or atleast the guitaring is. The screams have stayed the same, fast-paced nonsense. However they managed to do it with a different screamer.
DGD first LP (Downtown Battle Mountain) has two vocalist that are no longer apart of the band. Brand New is intact.
I personally hate Taking Back Sunday now, but if Adam Lazarra left and Marilyn Manson took the mic, would you still want it to be called Taking Back Sunday. I know that's extreme, but this DGD isn't the band that got them known, this is a band that now covers DGD first LP songs.

im not going to go back and edit this- i hope its clear.
1. Why begin to number your argument if there is no number 2?
2. You saying this band hasn't changed their sound leads me to believe you've only vaguely examined their discography.
3. It's funny because there were over 10 songs written before the "Backwards Pumpkin Song" and I don't see any similarities between songs like "Uneasy Hearts.." or "Don't Tell Dave" and The Backwards Pumpkin.. anyway.
4. The core of their writing is and always will come from one member: Will Swan. Why would he or Matt Mingus for that matter even think about changing their name if they have been the basis of their music for years now?

rant: over

[timb89]

super true
this album is good, and a shit ton better than their last one, but to say that this is "prog" or "experimental" is ridiculous. its obvious that dgd is trying to assimilate into the prog-post hardcore genre alongside the fall of troy and the mars volta, closure in moscow and whatnot... but they really aren't "experimenting." they aren't doing anything new, thats for sure. i mean have you heard the song "happiness?" its pretty much a very watered down ripoff of circa survive's "we're all thieves." see for yourself and compare the two.
besides the point this band doesn't come close to their material with jonny, regardless of jonny's lack of intelligence. at least this album is listenable as compared to their last awful record.
yeh im confused every one talks about the johhny craig guy like hes amazing? did he leave or what?

[iAMhollyood315]

this album is really enjoyable. love the guitar work on it.
"don't tell dave" :056 such a catchy riff. they always have written great original guitar riffs and have cool effects.

[LikeEatingGlass]

The title tk is very cool. I much prefer the switch in the shouting vocals on this record. That Mess guy felt like nails on a chalkboard.

Still Downtown Battle Mountain is my pick of their catalogue, no question about that.....

[boscorelli]

this "review" is confusing and useless

[brenByah]

I enjoy good lyrics, which at times makes it far too hard for me to like this band.

[simensays]

1. Why begin to number your argument if there is no number 2?
2. You saying this band hasn't changed their sound leads me to believe you've only vaguely examined their discography.
3. It's funny because there were over 10 songs written before the "Backwards Pumpkin Song" and I don't see any similarities between songs like "Uneasy Hearts.." or "Don't Tell Dave" and The Backwards Pumpkin.. anyway.
4. The core of their writing is and always will come from one member: Will Swan. Why would he or Matt Mingus for that matter even think about changing their name if they have been the basis of their music for years now?

rant: over
I'm not telling you to not be a fan of their music. I feel like you are getting defensive. All i'm saying is that their music IMO is getting repetitive. Moreover, the screaming has gone downhill with the big guy managing that aspect. You may like it, so will others, but IMO the latest album is horribly done. Nothing is good.
You have your reasons why they should keep their name, I have mine for why they should change it. There is no point in me arguing with you on that matter, because quite frankly, I don't care about your reasons.
If the core of the writing comes from one guy, its bound to get repetitive. As a whole DGD is a good band, I liked 2/3 of their catalog.

[dancelukedance]

Great album! I've said this a few times but i just like how its a more positive record, there's a happy vibe to it (excuse the pun). Props to DGD

[Seven-Tx7]

I'm not telling you to not be a fan of their music. I feel like you are getting defensive. All i'm saying is that their music IMO is getting repetitive. Moreover, the screaming has gone downhill with the big guy managing that aspect. You may like it, so will others, but IMO the latest album is horribly done. Nothing is good.
You have your reasons why they should keep their name, I have mine for why they should change it. There is no point in me arguing with you on that matter, because quite frankly, I don't care about your reasons.
If the core of the writing comes from one guy, its bound to get repetitive. As a whole DGD is a good band, I liked 2/3 of their catalog.
I'm not trying to argue or get defensive at all. I just respect their new album and I think it's a great new direction for them. All bands grow and become more mature with time and imo i think that's exactly what they did with Happiness. But yes you are entitled to your opinion and I respect that.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

This is no DBM but I think they have finally found their sound...this is far better than the Deathstar album. I listen to it frequently.
x2

[Klatzke]

I can't stand this album.

[samz0r]

I totally disagree with this review. Happiness is a very, very average album. Downtown Battle Mountain is the best DGD will ever do.

[timb89]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

2ee5_K5HSA4

how did everyone miss this that is gold!

[Blake Solomon]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

2ee5_K5HSA4

how did everyone miss this that is gold!
i am berry berry sneaky sir

[deanster321]

I don't really care much for this album or DGD's body of work as a whole, but I enjoyed the review.

[WeCameAsLions]

Very Kurt focused.

Tree Village seemed to be the last connection to anything off of DBM.

Carl Barker is tremendous.

I'm actually a fan of Strawberry Swisher, pt. 1. As corny as it is, the music is what guides it. Not the lyrics.

Don't Tell Dave is just a fucking party song. Woot.

If DGD puts out another album, i'd rather it sound like DBM, IMO. But Happiness is also a great cd. Just not my favorite. I will be listening to it constantly though on the way to Dallas for Warped Tour this year.

[simensays]

Just because you move your hips Doesn’t mean that you exist

done!

[donwagenblast]

I was waiting for this to be posted, and when I saw Blake was the author, I feared for the worst, givn some of the scores he's given this year. Nevertheless, I think this was spot-on. Excellent work, as always.

[Cheesus]

1. Why begin to number your argument if there is no number 2?


lol'd

[Jo Mo]

why does everyone like downtown battle mountain so much? lemon meringue tie is the only good song lol

[whataclush]

why does everyone like downtown battle mountain so much? lemon meringue tie is the only good song lol
try listening to the rest of the album. obviously the vocal performance was what saved it. no other human can "belt" like jonny. then again, he's unhuman.

[katiee.revengee]

i love this alubum, and i love them!
:D can't wait to see them at the aggie on july 30th!

[Jo Mo]

lol johnny craig is incoherent and repetitve on DTBM. The band clearly matured to a better sound and zach/will make a much better combo. go listen to emarosa, craig sounds much better wiht them and kurt is a much more versatile singer who can produce more melodies and ideas than craig

[newfoundmichael]

Though I will admit this is a major step up for these guys...I still really think they are pretty bad.

[DanielJames]

I had such a great response typed up on my computer about 15 minutes ago, but my computer died and I lost it. It was quite long, so i'm pissed- but i'll say it again.

1: Don't compare Brand New with DGD.
Brand New has changed their music each album considerably, but they haven't lost any members. Biggest change was obviously Your Favorite Weapon - Deja Entendu.

DGD has not changed their music, in fact, all their songs are watered down replicas of Backward Pumpkin Song and Lemon Meringue Tie. Or atleast the guitaring is. The screams have stayed the same, fast-paced nonsense. However they managed to do it with a different screamer.
DGD first LP (Downtown Battle Mountain) has two vocalist that are no longer apart of the band. Brand New is intact.
I personally hate Taking Back Sunday now, but if Adam Lazarra left and Marilyn Manson took the mic, would you still want it to be called Taking Back Sunday. I know that's extreme, but this DGD isn't the band that got them known, this is a band that now covers DGD first LP songs.

im not going to go back and edit this- i hope its clear.
If you say all their songs after DBM sound like watered down versions of "Backwards Pumkin Song" and "Lemon Merignue Tie" then I don't know what albums you're listening to.

[simensays]

lol johnny craig is incoherent and repetitve on DTBM. The band clearly matured to a better sound and zach/will make a much better combo. go listen to emarosa, craig sounds much better wiht them and kurt is a much more versatile singer who can produce more melodies and ideas than craig
thats funny that you say Craig is incoherent. Their old screamer yelled purely gibberish. The new screamer is just as bad.

[leaving_astoria]

Downtown Battle Mountain > everything theyve ever realesed.
but still, i do enjoy Hapinnness.

[xdillonjamesx]

i really like this album. i wasnt big on them when Downtown Battle Mountain came out, but then i heard Happiness and fell in love with this band. If they keep releasing music like this, they have the capabilty to acquire alot of fans.

[KillyourIdols88]

I don't see how any one thinks this band is left behind in johnny craiges shadow. Every makes it seem like anthony green left saosin.

[Crank]

Haha as far as I'm concerned this band has nothing to do with Craig anymore. They sound so much better without him... For this album being released so quickly it's good. I've been listening to it for a couple weeks. But I really liked the self titled better for some reason... Prolly because it's something to kick my dog down the steps to

[Cheesus]

Haha as far as I'm concerned this band has nothing to do with Craig anymore. They sound so much better without him... For this album being released so quickly it's good. I've been listening to it for a couple weeks. But I really liked the self titled better for some reason... Prolly because it's something to kick my dog down the steps to
hahaha. nice

[whataclush]

lol johnny craig is incoherent and repetitve on DTBM. The band clearly matured to a better sound and zach/will make a much better combo. go listen to emarosa, craig sounds much better wiht them and kurt is a much more versatile singer who can produce more melodies and ideas than craig
whos kurt?

[donwagenblast]

whos kurt?
Kurt Tavis is the new singer, who replaced Johnny Craig upon Craig's departure. He's been on the untitled album and Happiness.

[whataclush]

Kurt Tavis is the new singer, who replaced Johnny Craig upon Craig's departure. He's been on the untitled album and Happiness.
i know who he is, im just downplaying him, since he's a virtual unknown as a vocalist.

[donwagenblast]

i know who he is, im just downplaying him, since he's a virtual unknown as a vocalist.
haha, sorry, that one went way over my head.

[punkDbass]

one of my favorite albums of 2009, good review

[Midgar777]

A well written and fair review :)

[DecipherRob]

i love this CD as well as their other releases, but im glad that eric and Jon mess went back to the band their new stuff is gonna be crazy

[eatbabiesyum]

i love all DGD, im a huge fan, but, i actually prefer kurt over johnny

why?

i think he's a better songwriter, and the band as a whole has gotten more creative since battle mountain :P

[DeviateRogue]

I'm never gonna take some of these reviews seriously, I mean if your gonna give 21st century breakdown a 91% when you give Home Sick a 41% it makes this site lose all credibility

[Dystroxia]

I'm never gonna take some of these reviews seriously, I mean if your gonna give 21st century breakdown a 91% when you give Home Sick a 41% it makes this site lose all credibility

Homesick was awful. It deserved that 48%.

[DeviateRogue]

Homesick was awful. It deserved that 48%.
I found 21st century breakdown to be Green Day's worst album, it deserved a 70% at best, while Homesick wasn't great I'd give it a 60%. I realize that these are my opinions, so disregard my statement from earlier.

[Dystroxia]

I found 21st century breakdown to be Green Day's worst album, it deserved a 70% at best, while Homesick wasn't great I'd give it a 60%. I realize that these are my opinions, so disregard my statement from earlier.

K.

[FoxVsWolf]

I had such a great response typed up on my computer about 15 minutes ago, but my computer died and I lost it. It was quite long, so i'm pissed- but i'll say it again.

1: Don't compare Brand New with DGD.
Brand New has changed their music each album considerably, but they haven't lost any members. Biggest change was obviously Your Favorite Weapon - Deja Entendu.

DGD has not changed their music, in fact, all their songs are watered down replicas of Backward Pumpkin Song and Lemon Meringue Tie. Or atleast the guitaring is. The screams have stayed the same, fast-paced nonsense. However they managed to do it with a different screamer.
DGD first LP (Downtown Battle Mountain) has two vocalist that are no longer apart of the band. Brand New is intact.
I personally hate Taking Back Sunday now, but if Adam Lazarra left and Marilyn Manson took the mic, would you still want it to be called Taking Back Sunday. I know that's extreme, but this DGD isn't the band that got them known, this is a band that now covers DGD first LP songs.

im not going to go back and edit this- i hope its clear.

Not exactly. Lemon Meringue Tie and Backwards Pumpkin Song do NOT sound like the new DGD. They aren't the greatest band but you can't say they sound the exact same twice (except for DBM2 maybe).
Also, even on Happiness they're the same band that got them known. Will writes pretty much everything, all the instrumentals come first with these guys and they've said that a few times now. Jon Mess has even said he conciders it to be Will's band.

[tylerg220]

why the hell are you talking about aliens... Not a horrible review but there's some clear biased statements in it.

[JohnTheTree]

i definetly choose Kurt over Johnny. Kurts voice fits the band so much better, and johnny craig i just can't stand. i can't believe that kurt travis was kicked out. :\