With Volcano, GATSBY’S AMERICAN DREAM appears to complete the belief that this Northwest quartet has absolutely no interest in making the same record twice. With three full-lengths behind them, and a well-taken EP, this group continues to tinker with its arrangements and production styles. In a move that somewhat bucks the theme of their Land of the Lost Monsters EP, Volcano features much more conventional songwriting traits, and natural, well-placed hooks. While the group is still caught in the threshold between awkward elements of pop, rock, and post-hardcore, there is at least some linear progression to the thirteen songs that make up this release. “Fable,” is the album’s most affable tune, drawing lyrical inspiration from the classic Lord of The Flies. The song features a laid back beat with razor sharp guitars and light, but sticking synth. Again, it’s the manner in which this band arranges their songs that makes them unique, giving space to particular instruments at just the right time. And yea… the chanted lyrics, “Well burn the island down, kill the pig, kill the pig,” are rather memorable too. “Shhhhhhhh! I’m Listening To Reason” has an intro that’s like matching AC/DC with a hammond organ. Although the song quickly twists away, and embraces a clapping beat with soaring back-up vocals, and then a waltz towards the end, the intro is something one will likely not forget anytime soon. Volcano continues its swift pace (13 songs in 33 minutes) with the abrupt, 26 second long “Meet Me At The Tavern In Bowerstone,” and the gentle, highly percussive tune, “Your Only Escape.” Drummer Rudy Gajadhar impresses repeatedly on this album, and the recording (produced, engineered and mixed by Casey Bates and Tom Pfaeffle) truly captures the chaos of his polyrhythmic work, especially with an emphasis on hitting as many cymbals as possible. Volcano closes up with a trip to the downtrodden on “The Badlands,” and the stinging finale, “The Loosing Of The Shadow.” While the former plays around with too many vocal effects, and the stigma of soundling like a chlidren’s television show theme song, the latter’s dark, sweeping style feels right at home, and powers Volcano to end on a spirited note. Previous GATSBY’S AMERICAN DREAM releases have left me lukewarm on the band, and wondering just how far their “anti-chorus,” schtick will take them. Thankfully, it seems that these guys have compromised a bit on their stance, and the benefits of the more cohesive songwriting is obvious on Volcano. Not only do the songs on here sound less erratic, distant, and intentionally discordant, but they largely come with a generous heaping of heart and conviction. Any way you slice it, Volcano is by far this band’s best work.

Fearless

www.fearlessrecords.com