EP REVIEW: Critical Mind Dump – Dez Dare
EPs can serve multiple purposes. They can be a musician’s introduction to the world. They can serve as something to tide fans over to the next full-length release. Or they can represent a period of transition. This is the case for prolific artist DEZ DARE – also known as Darren Smallman – whose new EP Critical Mind Dump serves as a transition between his third album Perseus War, which was only released back in March, and his upcoming fourth album, which is due later this year.
CMD OK! starts off the album full of distorted guitar riffs which could almost lean into the country side of things. However, the electronic vocals rectify this. The instruments used in the song are not ones you’d usually hear in a punk song (there is a triangle included in the mix). But for a pysch-electronic song, it works really well. Whilst some people might find the song a little tiresome, as it is not very exciting production wise due to the instruments being relegated to the background during the verses, it’s unique enough to keep you intrigued.
Thankfully, Uncanny Velocity embraces a punk energy. A riot of noise in just under a minute and a half, the song unfortunately suffers a bit from its short runtime, as it feels like it’s just getting started as it ends. Phase Transitions is an even shorter song, which seems like an odd choice for a four-track EP, as it makes an already short body of work even shorter. Weasel Breath is the last song on the EP, and, at four and a half minutes, it is also the longest. The sparse introduction is simply a warm up for a long instrumental middle section. It has everything; guitar riffs, drums and even a triangle. It is by far the most interesting song on the EP due to the quirkiness of it.
There is no denying that this EP is unique. Some people might not like the experimentation on it, but whilst not all of it works, there is something rather endearing about trying new things. The EP does not stick to one genre, although the psychedelic elements are some of its strongest sounds. The production is excellent, making all of the strangeness make sense, and it helps the overall pacing of the EP.
Overall, although some people might be turned away from the sheer quirkiness of it all, Critical Mind Dump requires an open mind. Sure, not all the songs work, but the interesting production and the varied instruments are a definite highlight. For a transitional EP, this works extremely well, allowing fans to be content with new music whilst eagerly awaiting the next full-length release. Unfortunately, if you are looking for an introduction to DEZ DARE, it might be better to start with one of his albums, as a four-song EP is not enough to judge such a complex and multifaceted musician. However, if you do listen to this EP as a first time listen and you enjoy it, then you might have just found your new favourite artist.
Rating: 6/10
Critical Mind Dump is set for release on May 5th via Six Tonnes De Chair Records.
Like DEZ DARE on Facebook.