Album Review : La Dispute

I have toyed with the idea of doing an album review many times. I have even typed a few up and done some lists and what not. But, today I was inspired to review an album that I just got 2 days ago, after seeing a video review by The Needle Drop.

The band is "La Dispute" a Michigan band that has been around since about 2004 or so. They have released a few Eps and one previous LP. Their newest release came out on 10-04-11 and is called : Wildlife

It is rare for me to be so impressed or inspired by "agressive music" these days. I feel like as I have gotten older, I've heard it all before. Which may be true, but while this isn't something completely new, I find it refreshing. It brings me back to the days of going to shows, getting excited in the car, reading lyrics to sing along when the mic was put out into the audience. It brings me back to the days when music didn't just fit a mood, it all meant so much to me. It changed my life and made me feel good. It's hard to explain sometimes, what being a part of a scene is like. But, this is as close as I've come in the past few years.

I found familiarity in the singer's shouting. It brought back memories of first discovering one of my favorite bands Seatia. I remember being blown away by their dynamics and the way they took hardcore and spun it on it's head mixing it with quiet breakdowns. It was the first time I had heard something like that. Other bands followed as I searched through genres. Another band they remind me of is Thursday. But with more intense vocals.

The best thing about this album is the way the singer turns the lyrics into stories. They aren't drenched with metaphor. They are very specific to dates, events and when listening to these songs, it's almost like watching a movie. They are that specific. It almost feels like you have experienced the same things that he is writing about after you listen to the song. It's been a while since I've gotten so many chills while listening to music. Also, it's been a while since I've enjoyed a band from first listen. I haven't stopped listening to this album for two days and I can't wait to put it back on.

I hope everyone checks out this band. And while it may not be for you, take a look at the lyrics. The vocals are a little hard to get used to. He goes between talking, singing and shouting every few words and there seems to be no rhyme or reason for how the vocals are placed in the song. But it works. The bass and drums sound great, the guitars are loud and full and the clean parts ring out nicely. Overall two thumbs up.

Thanks!