ALBUM REVIEW: By Night – Dagoba

A lot has changed in the world of DAGOBA in recent years. Since their last release back in 2017, two long-standing members have departed the band, leaving frontman Shawter as the only remaining original member. Throughout their career they have been regarded as a band who are beyond their time, injecting forward-thinking modern metal stylings into their material. It is almost time for the arrival of their latest full-length effort, entitled By Night, which is due for release on February 18th via Napalm Records. Will this release silence the doubters and show they can still hang with the best of them?

Neons commences with a tense pulsing beat and electronic dabbling, gradually building in momentum to tee up the snappy and energetic The Hunt. Plentiful grooves combine with sharp vocal outbursts as DAGOBA get into full swing. Additional enticing melodies are introduced towards the latter stages. Sunfall throws a host of genres into a blender and whips up a wholesome batch of soaring accessibility and potent aggression, showcasing the band’s impressive levels of diversity. Bellflower Drive possesses an alluring rhythm and intriguing tempo shifts that keep you guessing. The electronic elements continue to play a big part in the arrangement.

On The Run introduces some cathartic piano sequences into the mix, this track may just be their most daring effort to date, stepping right out of their preconceived expectations. Break is literally what it says on the tin, a brief excursion before diving headfirst into the subsequent City Lights. This track harnesses the high energy instilled by its counterparts and maintains the endearing buoyancy. This would be a perfect, radio-friendly opportunity to reach a wider, potentially untapped audience. Nightclub follows in a similar vein whilst resuming some of the heavier elements such as the powerful growls.

Summer’s Gone feels particularly vibrant and uplifting in tone but can’t resist throwing some robust riff work and invigorating drum beats in for good measure. This mentality rubs off on The Last Crossing as it comes surging out of the gates with a more distinct level of aggression. Fear not, the punchy melodies are still sandwiched in there. As we approach the home stretch Stellar kind of feels like a bit of an anti-climax as it says its farewells with a smattering of synths and little else to get you excited about it.

By Night is most definitely going to be a ‘marmite’ release. You’ll either dig it and appreciate the level of experimentation and the throwing of caution into the nearest refuse skip, or shake your head in bemusement. For fans of DAGOBA‘s heavier instalments, this may be considered a step too far. There is plenty to appreciate and the release maintains your attention for the most part, but a couple of unnecessary interludes or instrumental offerings kind of stunt your enthusiasm somewhat. It will be intriguing to see the reaction is upon release day as the prediction is it will have a very mixed reception.

Rating: 7/10

By Night is set for release on February 18th via Napalm Records.

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