Review: Dillinger Escape Plan - Irony is a Dead Scene

artist: the dillinger escape plan album: irony is a dead scene label: epitaph records released: 8/27/02 by: eduardo moutinho Okay, when I heard about this combination of Dillinger Escape Plan (DEP) and Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, and Fantomas), I was incredibly intrigued. I think DEP is one of the only grindcore-oriented bands that I actually can find some liking to. They're a crazy band indeed, as many of you know. DEP is notorious for their shows filled with fire and chaos. In fact, many believe they're the best ticket anyone can find. Musically, they are just as crazy, with sporadic musicality, insane tempos and time signatures, and pure spontaneity in song structure. Patton has been in his own little world with Mr. Bungle and Fantomas over the past few years. Mr. Bungle, in particular, is as unique as DEP, with its mellower music and various inspirations. Their albums have generated a loyal, cult-like, following, along with critical acclaim. Fantomas is probably the closest thing to DEP that Patton has associated himself with, and that is a loose statement to make. While Fatntomas has little inklings of grindcore, it's more comparable to Melt-Banana than Dillinger Escape Plan. This is why Patton's involvement on this record intrigues me. I guess this is the pattern that Patton is choosing to go by, one that is similar to DEP's music in its spontaneity. Nevertheless, the hype has been generated, the EP is here, and it is indeed quite an interesting piece of work... The record consists of four songs. All of them quite insane. I'll be blatantly honest here, Patton's vocals do not work with DEP's music. This isn't a case of "two completely unique elements combining to create something masterful" at all. On the first track, "Hollywood Squares," Patton chooses to wail over the incredibly fast past of the song, which unfortunately makes for a strange combination that doesn't hit the ear right. On the next track, he opts to sing in small and quick little bursts for a good portion of the song, sounding almost like he's speaking in tongues. The style of singing he displays reminds me of Jonathan Davis singing "Twist" from Korn's Life is Peachy album. I don't think many people here like Korn, so I'm not sure how many will perceive what Patton is trying to do. The third song on the EP, "When Good Dogs Do Bad Things," should be noted for its percussion and overall instrumentation. This is pure DEP here. In fact, the whole record demonstrates DEP's method to their mayhem. The band consists of good musicians, that know what they're doing. Those who like the DEP sound will be able to easily recognize that this is indeed the band they have grown to love. The guitars are there, the drums are there, the time signatures too. But again, this EP just sounds strange because of what the band is trying to do with Patton. Again, I believe it's commendable. They're trying to experiment with something different, but it doesn't work. Nevertheless, I'd like to praise the band for their attempt to cover the classic electronica song "Come to Daddy" by Aphex Twin as the last song on the EP. It's a really great song that is definitely worthy of a cover. All in all, I did not enjoy this EP. I assume that many people will like, and many will love, what DEP has done with Patton and vice versa. I think that DEP is a better band with their own vocalist doing all the work, and I think Patton is a better vocalist doing his own thing. This is a fascinating work though, that people should listen to. It can be best described as an interesting idea that just didn't work, like Pepsi Blue or Nintendo's Virtual Boy. favorite song: "come to daddy" rating: 70%/100% listen to the dillinger escape plan