Review Summary: Overall, this is a harrowing descent into the minds of the band members of Dangers. The music is enthralling and accomplishes the feat of being bellicose yet accessible simultaneously.
Sincerity is a rather difficult thing to find nowadays, as everyone is well aware that there is a multitude of persons who are entirely to impressionable, or entirely too concerned about what others think about their actions and or opinions. But, in stark contrast to the category of humans portrayed here, there have been the lyricists in post-metal and hardcore bands that have often frowned in shame at the sight of this herd mentality. Not only do they verbalize their concerns for this world of humans that has gone amiss due to the acquisition of iniquity and ignobleness, but they act upon their beliefs by protesting and elucidating their opinions. And whilst Dangers' debut LP, Anger, expressed more anger towards intolerance with a cynical bite, their sophomore effort allows their opinions to be explained in a much more mature way.
While tracks like "No Vonneguts, No Glory" are obvious anthems against the Iraq war and ignorance, others like the aptly titled "Stay-At-Home Mom" explore the melancholy and apathy expressed by a, well... stay-at-home mom. A variety of subjects are expressed on this album, rarely ever revisiting the same topic twice. And though the lyrical execution is not of the poetic variety by any means whatsoever, the message is clear as crystal, and reflects the band's slovenly approach to music.
The guitars are dissonant and show the band's vehemence. They empower the message behind the music like the raucous screams. The vocalization here embodies the same musical elements that the guitars do. And together, these bellicose instruments add to the band's perspective as a whole, and are generally talented. This is not to say that the bassist and drummer are not talented, they are just more discreet in their presence, as the bass is used appropriately as a foundation to this unadulterated aural assault, and the drums are just competent, nothing groundbreaking, but nothing disappointing either. They add to this aggression, but their additions are not as noteworthy as the guitars and vocals. And when incorporated into the tracks that occupy
Messy, Isn't It, each element of the music shines, thus leading to a more enjoyable experience.
Tracks along the lines of “Check, Please” are speedy bursts of pugnacity in aural form, while “Pyramid of Emptiness” taps into the band's sense of anguish. Exigency is never lost on any track, even the two interludes, “Messy, Isn't It?” and “Love Poem.” The latter of these tracks is a serene soundscape occupied by voices that express love like Nietzsche, a cynic's delight. Somehow, this track is extremely intriguing, and holds as much urgency as “Check, Please” has. “Stay At Home Mom” also portrays a bellicose nature and strong sense of urgency, as well as the untidy aural arrangement that this album exhibits superbly throughout its duration. And through its duration, it becomes clear that there are several moments on this album that are portentous of it being revered later in the future.
From its sloven, abrasive, vehement approach to musical expression, to its competent musicianship and provocative lyrics, this album an excellent follow-up for any hardcore band. This pugnacious aural assault is pure and never contrived, and focuses on issues that effect the entire world. These topics range from marriages that are not founded on love, to anti-war protest songs that are as cathartic as they are important to the album. And the instrumentation follows in suit. Aggressive power chords are as common as the relentless vocalization, and every instrument is made to fit the lyrical content of the song. All of these elements contribute a great deal to the quality of the album, which is an enthralling joy ride through the minds of the members of Dangers.
FINAL RATING-4.1/5-Overall, this is a harrowing descent into the minds of the band members of Dangers. The music is enthralling and accomplishes the feat of being bellicose yet accessible simultaneously.
