Dance Gavin Dance

Happiness

[3.5/5]


Dance Gavin Dance strive to be more than just another pockmark on the face of 21st century nü screamo, but their efforts are best exemplified by full-length No. 3, Happiness, a pleasing puree of the Fall Of Troy’s effects-laden, thumping guitar intricacy and Circa Survive’s ethereal atmosphere. These progressive elements and modern familiarities propel the band just ahead of their peers. Of course, DGD continue to pepper their dishes with hoarse, ragged screams, but they’re better integrated than one would expect; such is best exemplified in opener "Self-Trepanation" with its suddenly Silverstein-esque burst of intensity. "I’m Down With Brown Town" explores the tension of personal relationships likely encountered by members of every full-time touring band, and should be the first single due to its spastic, noodly guitars on the verses and huge chorus ("We’d always say/We’d win the lottery someday/So I wouldn’t have to go away"). While Happiness occasionally comes off a bit sterile and vaguely similar to the contemporary tide of trend-hoppers, it finds enough success in its experimental layers, which focus more on atmosphere and less on gimmicks. (RISE) Brian Shultz

GO DOWNLOAD: "I’m Down With Brown Town"