ALBUM REVIEW: Setbacks & Reversals – D L G Z
After a 14-year-long wait, experimental math-rock band D L G Z make a return with their second full-length Setbacks & Reversals. If there is to be one word to describe the group, that word would be unpredictable. There are no rules, and anything goes when it comes to genres, noise effects and instruments used; you’ll be overwhelmed, but you’ll love every single moment.
Confusion sets in immediately as the album opens with its intro track Quasicrystal that sounds like a phone jingle that then turns into a retro game theme song; you’ll be sat there for that minute wondering what the hell is going on before the loud feedback comes in that then blends into the next song and lead single Bunker Up. What happens next is a collection of synths, drum beats and harmonies that feels incredibly strange to listen to until you realise that’s all coming together to create a good beat. It’s all tied together nicely when the distorted vocals come in and you should find yourself enjoying it. It may be difficult to describe what it is that you’re hearing – you’ve likely never heard anything like it before – but it’s great.
Each song lasts around six to ten minutes, aside from the two intervals Where And When and The Stomach For It, but despite the intimidating play time there’s little to worry about as there is no repetition; nothing sticks to the same beat or even genre for long, and the listener is left guessing as to what D L G Z are going to do next. It would take far, far too long to describe what happens in every track, and more than anything you should go in blind.
Each song stands out on its own and they vary significantly in what they sound like; some can easily fall into the experimental alt-rock category, especially tracks like All Those Witches, which is somewhat soothing and has a vintage vibe which brings in orchestral elements, and Worn Out Lies that starts out with a fun acoustic guitar before a full band comes in to create an alternative rock track slightly reminiscent of ARCTIC MONKEYS until things shift into a different style of course.
Elsewhere, there are songs that make you think of thriller films, like Carnival Masks & Ego; the band visit garage-rock and grunge territory on First We’ll Drink To Good Times; and even the world of experimental psychedelic rock on recent single Words Come Out All Wrong that refuses to hold back. But honestly, Setbacks & Reversals is something that you need listen to with no preconceptions or spoilers. This is a collection of tracks that have no rules and so much depth, and frankly it’s one of the best listening experiences you could have.
Rating: 9/10
Setbacks & Reversals is out now via Do It Youssef, Araki Records and Pied De Biche.
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