Many Words On A Short Release: Danceland EP

One of the more overlooked releases in the music industry is the EP. For many bands just beginning, it is a less daunting and cheaper way to have a collection of songs available at gigs. A more established band may use them as filler between releases as a way to keep their name out there. Either way, they are often forgotten about in the back catalog of an artist. This is why I've chosen to highlight them in what I hope to be a reoccurring article.

Today I'll focus on the recent release of Die Mannequin. Danceland EP was released a few months back and has been in heavy rotation for me ever since. Formed in 2005 by teenage singer/songwriter Care Failure they have gone from power punk trio to quartet. Actually, Danceland marks the first release by them as a quartet. Joined by long time bassist Anthony Bleed (ex Kill Cheerleader), drummer Dazzer Scott, and guitarist Stacy Stray, Care spits out a number of sleaze driven, self destructive, punk forces.

Released on June 12, 2012, Danceland EP serves as filler between albums as the band sorts through management and being dropped by their label. A majority of the tracks are culled from the sessions for their 2009 full length release Fino + Bleed and feature the drumming of Jack Irons (Red Hot Chili Peppers/Pearl Jam).

The Other Tiffany-- This track has been floating around the Die Mannefans circle since 2008 when live videos of it surfaced on youtube. In 2011, it was released on the Hard Core Logo II soundtrack (a movie staring Die Mannequin).

Candide-- A track from Fino + Bleed that also surfaced a few years back as a live track. A more relaxing track that showcases Care Failures ability as a songwriter. Inspired by the classic French novella of the same name.

 

Away-- This begins a string of songs that were unreleased to this point. Away is a showcase of everything I love about Die mannequin; loud guitars, background staccato piano, quick snare hits, breathy vocals in the verse. Maybe not my favorite but certainly a prime example of a sound that is all their own.

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Die Snitch Die-- Die Mannequin proved on Fino + Bleed that few bands can write a short interlude that hits with such intensity. This just further proves that point. Clocking in at 1:09 Die Snitch Die hits with a force that knocks you to the ground. By the time you can recover and get up it's over and the next track is already finishing.

Children With Machetes-- Another brutal song that represents the Die Mannequin sound very eloquently.

Orson Welles + 2012-- Without a doubt Die Mannequins hardest rocking full song to date. Another song from the Hard Core Logo II soundtrack that features a layering of guitars and vocals.

"I hope I find the right place for myself Will you stay behind me I hope I save all my friends from themselves 'Cause they're dying on me We fight right back when they're holding us down Don't you dare defy me"

Suffer (Raw Version)-- For the first time Dazzer Scott and Stacy Stray make an appearance. A live studio performance of the Fino + Bleed track recorded during the filming of Hard Core Logo II.

The Other Other Tiffany (Raw Version)-- Same recording as with Suffer. Both tracks showcase the live energy the band brings. Never a band that will sound perfect live and yet part of that is what makes them great. A band that lives in the moment.

Just Go Away-- Credited under the artist name Tonyswar, this marks the solo debut of Anthony Bleed. And acoustic number of Bleed singing and playing. Rough and relaxing.

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