“dismemberment_plan”
The Dismemberment Plan
Emergency & I
DeSoto
If you have any foolish notions in your head about music becoming stagnant, take a listen to this.
The Dismemberment Plan have a penchant for making the odd approach seem natural, the off-kilter right-on, the jittery nervousness flow smoothly. This is a brilliant album from start to finish, from the beginning falsetto and rumbling keyboard bass on “A Life of Possibilities” through the bouncy, groove-driven “Back And Forth,” with its quick narrative and chorus urging the waving of hands in the air like one just doesn’t care. Unconventional yet accessible song structures fluidly convey vital electronics-infused indie rock with more than its share of personality and hooks, making this easily one of last year’s best albums. The vocals are all over the place as the situation demands, the most extreme moment being the neurotic stuttering on the nervous, edgy “Girl O’Clock.” The songs range from the sadly sweet “What Do You Want Me To Say?” and the quiet moodiness of “The Jitters” to the spasms of “I (heart) A Magician.” The unusual, hypnotic rhythms of “Gyroscope” are a bed for lyrics capturing the awkwardness of post-relationship recovery, followed by the nostalgia and feelings of displacement in “The City.” The lyrics of “You Are Invited” send chills, delivered at first atop just a keyboard-driven beat with some cheesy electronics and building to a full-on sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs rockish chorus.
This has been a favorite for the last couple months. Absolutely essential. When I found out they were touring, I made up my mind that I was going to make a road trip to their southernmost date. Luckily, it turns out that is only an hour away from me. Check the calendar for dates. See you at the show. Bring the dance party.
DeSoto Records, P.O.Box 60335, Washington, DC 20039; http://www.his.com/~desoto/
