Reviews

Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean is the first release from recently signed Sacramento band, Dance Gavin Dance.  The 7 song EP was recorded before the band was supported by any label and was re-released through Rise Records.  The production for the EP is decent for a non-label funded recording but it is still not near as good as it could be with label support. 
 
The close to 28 minute album begins with a short intro that makes a smooth transition into the first song, “The Robot with Human Hair Pt. 1.”  This song is quite simple and straightforward, catchy post-hardcore.  The fourth song, “Tidal Waves: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner,” alternates between the heavier side of the band and a slow whimsical post-rock sound.  It makes for an interesting combination that is executed well.  The second part to “The Robot with Human Hair” is the sixth track and is similar to the first part in it’s simplicity but it seems to be darker musically and incorporates the band’s slower side.  The final song, “Burning down the Nicotine Armoire,” is the best song on the album.  The melodic highlights and the experimental forms of the band finally come together and make for the best sound.   The band features two front men, one that screams and the other who sings.  The singer has a smooth and trained voice similar to an R&B singer and the screamer has a raspier tone almost completely opposite from the singer.  This creates a good contrast and allows for two styles to stand out more together than they would separately.   The lyrics within the songs are, for the most part, very emotional and dark. 
 
A favorite of mine is “blood stains my blade from taking hearts as ornaments”.  A reoccurring theme within the lyrics is the use of violence as a reaction to pain.  The EP overall is a good debut.  The band shows talent and the capability to write good songs.  It seems, however, that they have not reached their full potential.  The band seems to be still finding themselves as songwriters and I don’t think they’ve come up with their “sound” on this album…which might be how they’re trying to keep it.