Does anyone else miss socially aware pop-punk music? I’m not talking about Green Day and Sum 41’s gimmicky politico-punk balladry, but something more along the lines of what Dillinger Four perfected fourteen years ago. With a shallow catalog of only four full lengths to date, this long-lasting band has finally released its Chinese Democracy in CIVIL WAR, a record six years in the making.
Long time Dillinger Four fans will be happy to know that even though six years have lapsed since the release of Situationist Comedy, the band hasn’t changed. Starting things off with opener “A Jingle For The Product,” Dillinger Four sticks to their hardened formula of upbeat, powerchord-heavy pop, and they have never sounded slicker. Polished production combined with Erik Funk’s newly attained grasp on vocal control makes the album their catchiest release yet. And while CIVIL WAR may lack the sheer punch of Versus God and other earlier material, it makes up for it with hook after hook.
The most impressive thing about this release is that every single song is memorable. You will find yourself humming along with the simple three chord progressions, political humor, drunken fun, and social mockery (see: “parishiltonisametaphor”) without a second thought. Whether it’s the religious musings of “The Classical Arrangement” or “Gainesville,” a simple ode to Florida’s punk festival, they play their particular brand of pop-punk well.
Dillinger Four have resurrected thought in place of cheap one-liners without sounding like American idiots, and they want their voices to be heard. As they shout on the refrain of “Contemplate This on the Tree of Woe,” “They can cover their ears, but we won’t stop screaming.”
Voice’s Choices: “A Jingle For The Product,” “The Classical Arrangement,” “Americaspremierfaithbasedinitiative
