Rise US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Mothership by Dance Gavin Dance showcases many moments of brilliance that remind us of the band's potential to dazzle and innovate within the post-hardcore scene. The album presents standout songs like 'Here Comes the Winner' and 'Man of the Year, where the band's creativity and cohesion shine. These tracks highlight a mature, refined sound with Will Swan and Matt Mingus laying down intricate rhythms that complement Tillian Pearson's evolved vocal ability. His command over the melodies and his ability to tap into a raw, more aggressive vocal style is a significant evolution from his earlier work with the band. The album, while experimenting with different sounds and humor, retains a playful, experimental spirit that Dance Gavin Dance is known for. 'Man of the Year' wraps up the album on a very high note, combining powerful performances from Jon Mess and Tillian. Ultimately, this album offers glimpses of the band's ability to push boundaries and craft music that's both unique and engaging.

Review: The upcoming eighth and final studio album by Canadian punk and metal rockers Sum 41, Heaven :x: Hell centres on the ultimate duality of their sound. Divided into two parts, the first disc, Heaven, hears a return to the pop punk cant of the band's earlier career, while the Hell-ish second disc reflects their latter-day exploration of heavy metal. Though the name references a dualistic theme, the ultimate goal is the synthesis of the two sounds, showing just how far the band have come in their nearly 30-year career. Lead single 'Landmines', which on the surface of things tends more towards the aforementioned pop punk heaven, captures this tendency, incorporating rapidfire metal fills and deathly vocal snarls.