KTRU review-in-brief: GGD's Saint Dymphna
Brooklyn art-noise quintet Gang Gang Dance has for some time straddled the lines between tribal Afro-punk jams and a more subtle, experimental sound bordering on noise. The group's 2005 release God's Money cataloged the beat-centric focus of the quintet at its most fervent and remains an enjoyable album to this day. GGD's past three releases, consisting of two EPs (Hillulah in 2005 and RAWWAR in 2007) and a full-length album (Retina Riddim in 2007), revisit the experimental roots of the ensemble.Their newest release, Saint Dymphna, brings Gang Gang Dance full circle, facing dance-pop and experimental head-on and melding the elements of each genre seamlessly, with a lean toward the dance-y side.
The album approaches pop in much the same way as God's Money does. Clarity resounds in Saint Dymphna, with Lizzi Bougatsos' mesmerizing, astral vocals and Tim Dewit's jarring, yet deftly precise handling of the drums. Josh Diamond's guitar and synthesizer samples have grown more attuned to carefully churning out odd cadences and loops while remaining quick to bring tracks full-circle to a more pop-oriented melody.
The track "Prince" exhibits the group's versatility in expanding but remaining true to themselves. It begins with a synthesized introduction that evolves into a hybrid, mixing Gang Gang Dance's familiar elements with hip-hop featuring Tinchy Stryder, while somehow managing to fit comfortably into the larger scheme of the album.
"House Jam" feels a bit reminiscent of early Madonna and will either convince the listener of the band's ability to play electronic '80s New Wave or come across as a bland and predictable explosion of flotsam.
Either way, the overall mix of Gang Gang Dance's trademark avant-garde sound coupled with their blend of pop bounciness creates a delectable sound. Saint Dymphna is a progressive step for the overall direction of the band and a nice addition to the KTRU library of music.
David Wang contributed to this article.
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