Review Summary: Overall, I still believe that this is La Dispute's best album both musically and lyrically and I continue to re-visit it from time to time. Real passion can always be felt in recordings; you can't fake it.
With La Dispute's latest release, Wildlife, the band has developed a more widespread fan-base in the Hard-core/Screamo scene. Many of these new fans somewhat reluctantly admit that the band is extremely talented both musically and lyrically clarifying that they didn't like the band's music until now. The reason for this can be traced back to Jordan Dreyer's vocals on 'Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair'; especially the first track 'Such Small Hands.' The emotion that Jordan put into his vocals translated into a seemingly whiny/desperate tone that turned a lot of people off. However, if you, as a listener, are able to get past the initial reaction of those vocals, Jordan's voice really starts to grow on you. Further, if you take the vocals away the album is a masterpiece musically. So many different styles (i.e. surf rock, rockabilly, western, southern-hardcore etc.) are blended into their traditional melodic-hardcore base. The songs are carefully arranged to accompany the lyrics and reflect the mood/emotions that the lyrics portray. There are various musical breaks where there are no vocals; these parts display beautiful guitar lines, catchy bass lines, and emotion-filled drums. The band is full of truly talented instrumentalists. One of the album's biggest strengths is it's lyrics. I'll let them speak for themselves.
"So sing for every buried moment that you'd thought would never end.
And sing your fears about the future; and a dirge for faded friends.
For all the love that you had held to, why it somehow failed to keep.
And sing each minute you've been frightened; every hour that you've lost sleep
And sing for all your friends and family; sing for those who didn't survive.
But sing not for their final outcome; sing a song of how they tried.
We live amidst a violent storm; leaves us unsatisfied at best,
So fill your heart with what's important, and be done with all the rest."
