Dance Gavin Dance have been one of the most popular and enduring acts within the math rock and post hardcore scene and have remained influential throughout several lineup changes. This includes multiple vocalists serving tenure throughout the years such as Kurt Travis, Tillian Pearson and Johnny Craig. Despite the changes, the Sacramento California band’s fan base has remained dedicated and the latest lineup, including vocalist Andrew Wells, has managed to earn the approval of fans new and old. The band are currently touring and made a return to Asbury Park where they once again performed at the Stone Pony Summer Stage for a performance that saw the band at their most energized and confident. DGD’s live show was full of the band’s signature high energy with a setlist that highlighted fan favorites from various eras of the band’s discography.
The band’s set made room for standouts from their latest release Pantheon such as “Animal Surgery”, “Trap Door”, and “All The Way Down” while integrating some classic material including “Uneasy Weight Hurts The Most” from their self titled album. “Elder Goose” from Downtown Battle Mountain II along with a rendition of “Inspire The Liars” where Andrew Wells performed a duet with Novelists vocalist Camille Contreras were also a crowd-pleasers. It’s a testament to how dynamic the band remains that they’re able to step back into any era comfortably all while reinterpreting the older songs to fit their current one seamlessly.
The lineup also included support from Fall of Troy and Wolf & Bear whose math rock and post hardcore styles slotted nicely alongside Dance Gavin Dance. For any band a decade or more into their career, navigating changes is part of the territory. For Dance Gavin Dance, adapting is something they’ve made a part of their mission statement and their most recent tour is an exhilarating and well-rounded showcase of their current lineup at their very best. For fans both newer and firmly established, the results are a satisfying live experience and it appears that Dance Gavin Dance are showing no signs of slowing their momentum anytime soon. Be sure to give them a follow on all streaming or social platforms to see if they’re coming to a venue near you.
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