Review Summary: a delicate red
Every once in awhile, a new band comes along that raises the eyebrow of music fans. A band that has the ability to set new standards for a particular genre. Many have come and gone, few have left their mark. A glimmer of potential, squandered by their own hand. Even fewer have the ability to connect with an individual's personal self. Many adults reach an inevitable crisis at some point of their lives, longing for the memories of being a kid again without a care in the world except for what show was going to be on Cartoon Network that day, what time after school your friends would get together and cause mischief to the establishment, and most importantly, connecting with the music of the time. Nostalgia can be a dangerous drug, but it can also bring back those certain feelings where the weight of the world just seems to be lifted from our shoulders, even as a simple brief respite. With all that being said, if you ever find yourself missing the mid 2000's emocore scene, Static Dress are here to bring you back to your Myspace days.
Fans of the
They're Only Chasing Safety era of former legendary turned midlife-crisis-core band Underoath will rejoice, as Static Dress have seemingly perfected their craft and may even surpass them in due time. This impression mostly lies within the sheer charisma and talent of vocalist Olli Appleyard. Appleyard is an absolute force to be reckoned with behind the microphone, as he utilizes a variety of impressive tactics ranging from shrill, ear piercing shrieks to soaring, melodic clean choruses that just radiate mid 2000's nostalgia. The rest of the band follows suit in the instrumental department. Their mysterious, faceless guitarist simply known as Contrast knows how to craft catchy melodies and energetic chord progressions that shine over the precise drumming of Aaron Gillespie lookalike Sam Ogden, as well as the slick bass and backup vocals by the man who is never seen without a black beanie on, Connor Reilly. These lads from Leeds are the torchbearers of the modern post-hardcore scene, and they are here to prove themselves worthy of being the next breakthrough act in music today.
Since teasing a fair amount of singles over the past few years and making a huge impact with their first single "clean." all the way back in 2019, Static Dress have certainly been busy since then. Release after release, the anticipation for a full length album was increasing at such an exponential rate to the point where our inner emo kids unanimously came together to proclaim that yes, this band has the "it" factor.
Now, Static Dress is not a linear band by any means. Instead of taking the easy route and being "just another group of guys that write songs" the band has built a reputation on being mysterious and unpredictable. Teasing cryptic messages in their songs, website, and even live shows the band has created their own "world" based around their mysterious nature. All of these clues, puzzles, and the band's general demeanor made them stand out even more as something truly unique. The hype was building, the tension and anxiety was rising. Through all the trials and tribulations, Static Dress have finally brought their image full circle, and revealed to the world their mastercraft debut
Rouge Carpet Disaster. Produced by close friend of the band Erik Bickerstaffe (of Loathe fame) this group of gentlemen has the makings of a modern classic.
The band wastes absolutely no time making their presence known, as "fleahouse" explodes out of the gate with blistering intensity. A gripping scream by Appleyard rings out into Contrast's colorful guitarwork and Sam's fantastic drumwork. Their yin and yang of combining powerful, heartfelt melodies and noisy, ear piercing heaviness is a certain kind of chemistry that not many bands can achieve. Acting as a cohesive journey from start to finish,
Rouge Carpet Disaster is a meticulously thought out journey with satisfying transitions. As "fleahouse" bleeds into lead single "sweet." and bouncy "Push rope" the enamor of Appleyard's hooks remain so consistently catchy, emotional, and memorable you can't help but sing and scream along with him. His clever lyrical metaphors are also worthy of praise.
"Were we just a passing phase, like cigarettes in movie scenes?"
The album weaves in and out, constructed carefully like a puzzle just waiting to be cracked. The mellow, quiet, crooning nature of "attempt 8" showcases the band's ability to write a lighter song that tugs on the heart strings. But just when you think they've gone soft a mere 4 songs in, "Courtney, just relax" will shut up anyone's doubts. When Olli tells you to "TAKE A SEAT!" you listen. "Courtney" proves to be the heaviest, noisiest cut on the album next to the following track, second single "Di-sinTer." This song showcases all of the band's best elements, a shapeshifter that blossoms from loud, noisy, and claustrophobic to quiet, subdued and heartfelt. No sign of slowing down from here, as the latter half rivals the first half. "such.a.shame" the third single, has undoubtedly the catchiest chorus on the entire album.
"I think that I moved on too soon. Just left here with my thoughts gripped on losing you." Appleyard's hooks will undoubtedly catch your ear with ease. Moving on, the anthemic "Lye solution" is another track worthy of praise. This particular gem has Underoath written all over it, seemingly a tribute to the band directly. As the journey unfolds into the penultimate track "marisol" we get to hear what love sounds like. Gorgeous would be an understatement, this track will make you feel as though you're floating above the atmosphere, laying back on a cloud and watching as the world passes by below you. With the conclusion of "marisol" the bitter end draws near. Closing track "cubicle dialogue" offically cements the band's legacy as the torchbearers of modern emocore. A catchy acoustic intro riff develops into their trademark post-hardcore excellence, a culmination of all the band's finest elements in one neat package.
Rouge Carpet Disaster proves to be the ultimate statement that the band is trying to make, that this is merely the beginning for them.
"Why would I stop now?"
In conclusion, Static Dress is quite simply the future of post-hardcore. They have everything a fan of this genre could possibly want, and more.
Rouge Carpet Disaster is a special experience that will bring back some of those childhood memories we all long for, and make you somewhat hopeful that there are still beautiful things left in this world. If you're sick and tired of the state of modernity and wish to return to 2005 for a day, lend Static Dress your ear. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Rouge Carpet Disaster is far from a disaster, its a definitive statement that proves their journey has only just begun, and that they are on a clear path to a long, prosperous future ahead.
