LIVE: DANCE GAVIN DANCE – May 2, 2019

Venue: Marathon Music Works

City: Nashville, TN

Date: May 2, 2019

Review and Photographs by: Rachel Craig (https://www.rachelcraigphotos.net/)

Dance Gavin Dance’s Artificial Selection tour is winding down, and the band brought their impressive lineup to Marathon Music Works in Nashville. This is a venue I haven’t had a chance to see yet, and it was a great space to host this interesting show of metalcore, progressive rock, and experimental rock. Thousand Below took the stage first, getting the crowd hyped up early with frontman James DeBerg’s impressive vocals and talking about their love for Nashville. The show took on a much different mood when Covet began their set, which was instrumental progressive rock. The three-piece threw in some humor as well, saying “This is our music. Thanks for being here.” Hail the Sun brought the show back to a metalcore/post-hardcore vibe, with more impressive vocals from Donovan Melero, who was leaping all over the stage – and even took over drums and vocals at the same time. Finally, Don Broco turned the venue into a dance party. The band’s pop songs were filled with heavy riffs and dance moves from frontman Rob Damiani, and the room came alive with spinning t-shirts in the air during the band’s hit “T-Shirt Song.”

By now, the room was buzzing with excitement for Dance Gavin Dance. This band has set themselves apart by creating their own unique sound, tying together jazz-inspired music with Tilian Pearson’s tenor voice (and dance moves) and Jon Mess’ screams of very nonsensical lyrics. The crowdsurfers were also very active during Dance Gavin Dance, and one girl even got hurt within the first few songs. The setlist moved through many of the band’s new songs, including their latest single “Head Hunter” and songs from the album Artificial Selection, like “Son of Robot,” “Suspended in This Disaster,” “Count Bassy,” and “The Rattler.” Other songs (featuring a chorus of singing fans) included “Chucky vs. The Giant Tortoise,” “We Own The Night,” and “Flossie Dickey Bounce.” The night ended with the band’s encore performance, “Evaporate.” This was my second time experiencing Dance Gavin Dance, and it’s always a great time. The venue was super loud, but the fans were almost even louder while singing along to the band’s eclectic songs. The five-band lineup delivered a great mix of talent, but it’s obvious that Don Broco and Dance Gavin Dance ruled the show.

Setlist: Son of Robot – Suspended in This Disaster – Summertime Gladness – The Rattler – Count Bassy – Chucky vs. The Giant Tortoise – Flossie Dickey Bounce – Uneasy Hearts Weigh The Most – Head Hunter – We Own The Night – Man of the Year – Evaporate

DANCE GAVIN DANCE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries