Dance Gavin Dance - Happiness (2009)

Artist: Dance Gavin Dance

Album: Happiness

Date Released: June 9, 2009

Genre: Emo/Experimental/Post-hardcore

Album Review:

I must say, without Johnny Craig, I had my doubts for this mini LP. But Kurt Travis, his replacement, deserves commendation for such a good fit for the band. Perhaps even better than Craig, whose other outfits like Emarosa and Isles & Glaciers more fits his vocal style. As far as the music itself, its intense melody yet ability to go a thousand directions makes me smile, as I recognize the distinct DGD sound.

Trust me guys, this album is good, even without Craig. Many doubting Thomases out there, but if you liked DGD's music on the self-titled, this one will rock your socks (and panties if you let it). Running a little over 32 minutes, it's a very short album, but I enjoyed listening to one of the few bands that gets "experimental" right. With lofty guitar riffs, and an intentional low-key sound, I would definitely make love to (and with) this.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Song-by-song:

Tree Village: A mellow intro, but quickly explodes into an earnest intro track. What I love about this band is how full their sound can be without those boring power chords.

I'm Down With Brown Town: Interesting chord bends and drum patterns start this song. Also, clever and biting lyrics poking at the consumerist blonde who chips a nail and cries a river. I love it so far!

NASA: Another uniquely DGD intro invites the bass line to come in to this third song. It's early in the album, but I can say that I don't mind the shortness of this album. Not that I hate the music, but it's not overplayed. Good mix of Craig-esque singing and screaming.

Carl Barker: I think this is my favorite song off the LP. Minor chords and such ( I am an Arab, so this is right at home for me...you don't understand), and I love the backing vocals on this one.

Happiness: Strong title track, going between the explosive and mellow. However, the song is intensely depressing....a girl who drowns, a man full of guilt who wants to escape. Poo poo, better get out the raz0rz :P

Self-Trepanation: I like some Daft Punk songs, but this evoked a little frown in me. Something kind of out of place here. I guess that's how DGD rolls...anyway, same chaotic form seen in this song as well. "No one believes me" stuck in my head...

Strawberry Swisher Pt. 1: I like several part songs :) that will win me over *hint hint* definitely a sex-filled song.

Don't Tell Dave: The intro makes me smile everytime I hear it, because this isn't Johnny Craig. It's a less serious intro....this perhaps is my favorite (oh dangit I already picked a favorite). You just have to hear it for yourself.

Strawberry Swisher Pt 2: This picks up from Pt 1, talking about the girl staying in order to build some deeper friendship.

Powder to the People: Meh, not a great ending track...a longer song doesn't make a better outro...but a good song as a stand-alone. I do like the rapping in it too.