Dance Gavin Dance has really outdone themselves this time. Instant Gratification is their 7th release as a band (6 albums and 1 EP) and the 2nd album with clean vocalist, Tilian Pearson. With their normal experimental post-hardcore style the album really kicks it up a couple of notches.
First off, it seems Jon Mess (unclean vocals) really clashes well with Tilian. Every song on the album has a different feel and are hard-hitting mash-ups of clean and unclean vocals. This album really goes out to show progress made from the last album. The song "Shark Dad" has obvious influences from DGD's side project, Secret Band. It's almost as if Tilian doesn't fit in, because of the mood of that song.
Another song from the album, "Eagles Vs. Crows" showcases how each vocalist can interchange into one song. The song changes from Jon's crazy unclean lyrics to Tilian's angelic clean-cut lyrics right into Will Swan's rap verse all within a minute and a half.
Talking about the lyrics, they are very relatable and easy to understand. (aside from Jon Mess' usual indistinguishable lyrics). They can speak to almost anyone and really displays the hard work they've put into to the album. Even the guitars and drums are close to perfection.
This album is definitely a must buy to all past and new DGD fans along with people looking for something new and dynamic to get into this year. I'm going to give this a solid 9.5 out of 10 stars. Let's hope Tilian decides to stick around as he seems the best fit for the band along with all of the lineup.