DGD hit us with the second track, Pop Off!, from their upcoming album Jackpot Juicer and it has us all screaming for more.
In April 2022, Dance Gavin Dance announced their 10th studio album, Jackpot Juicer was slated to release on July 29th. The announcement came just on the heels of the release of the first single off the album, Synergy. The video for the first single was packed full of all the things we love about DGD, funky melodies, a catchy chorus, goofy characters, costumes and an immersive story line. Fans have been gushing over Synergy since its release and it has already amassed 1.7 million views on YouTube alone. But the music video left us on the edge of our seats as vocalists, Tilian and Jon are seen being sucked into another dimension before the words, ‘to be continued…’ flash across the screen.
What can I about Pop Off! say, other than Dance Gavin Dance is back at it again. The second single has an infectious chorus, whimsical tune and an intriguing narrative. The topic of the track is pretty weighty as it depicts both sides of a toxic relationship. The lyricism is undeniably relatable though. I think we have all either been in, or known someone that’s been in a relationship that’s destructive. That person may have an intoxicating chokehold, but in the end the relationship is doomed. It’s ruined meaningful friendships and you’re no longer being your authentic self because you are too busy trying to appease the other person in the relationship.
Minutes to seconds until all the lessons I’ve learned become ravaged and spent
Pop Off!-Dance Gavin Dance
You’re all that want
You’re not what I need but I have to succumb
You’re all that I want
But I know that this all ends in bad blood
As we suspected the music video picks up right where Synergy left off. We have now entered the Rat King’s world as we are immediately struck by Jon Mess’ angsty unclean vocals. Even given the songs topic, the music video is just as lighthearted and comical as the last. Band members adorn various costumes and there is even an appearance from a buff character that strikingly resembles the king of music video satire himself, Alex Terrible. At the beginning of the video Tilian is seen being locked away in a cell and is now at the beck and call of the Rat King (Jon). Tilian eventually breaks free and fights to get a spot at the table to confront his addiction to the on again off again love affair. After he ends the relationship once and for all he’s presented with a golden cheese, which I interpreted as a nod to the saying ”know your weight in gold”. But alas we’re left on yet another to be continued cliff hanger.
Overall Pop Off! gives fans a fresh yet nostalgic single. The track is heavy, yet bouncy enough to sing along to. The juxtaposition of this song is so unique, as are the lyrics, which is exactly what we have come to expect from this group. For nearly two decades they have finely crafted their recognizable tone, that is a distinct combination of pop, screamo, and experimental rock, fused with groovy melodies. Pearson‘s and Mess‘ vocals shine with the call and response styled verses that toggle between their clean and unclean vocals; while Wells, Swan, Mingus and Feerick (RIP Tim), astonish with their instrumental additions to the iconic DGD sound we all know and adore.
Dance Gavin Dance‘s style is truly unmatched and they sit atop the throne of a genre all their own. I have loved and admired them for years. And I Told Them I Invented Times New Roman, is still one of my all time favorite songs. The guys manage to some how keep us in a comfortable bubble of familiarity, all while surprising us with each new release. I think I speak for everyone when I say we are all ecstatic to see what is to come, but I am already ranking Jackpot Juicer as one of my favorite albums of 2022.
Dance Gavin Dance’s new single “Pop Off!” comes from their upcoming album ‘Jackpot Juicer’ – out 7/29. Pre-order now https://riserecords.lnk.to/JackpotJuicer
Catch them on tour https://dancegavindanceband.com/pages/tour
