Busting out of Leeds, England, Dinosaur Pile-Up are quickly gaining a lot of attention. Come together back in 2007, founding Vocalist/Guitarist Matt Bigland has seen the band sustain its share of lineup changes through the years, while Drummer Mike Sheils came on sometime in 2010, and Bassist Jim Cratchley in 2014. No stranger to the Rock scene, their 2010 debut, full-length album, Growing Pains, made a splash in the UK market while their 2013 sophomore follow-up even drew a position in Japanese charts. Often recognized for their clear ’90s Grunge influence, they have also drawn inspiration from other areas of Alternative Rock, as well as Classic Rock from the 1960s. That being said, Dinosaur Pile-Up have worked hard at earning their place in the Rock scene over the years and have even been out on tour with the likes of You Me At Six, Cage The Elephant, and the Pixies.
So, where does a band this deep in their career go from here? Hopefully, the answer is upward, and Dinosaur Pile-Up seem to be heading in the right direction with the release of their third studio album, Eleven Eleven. Initially hitting the UK and Japan in 2015, on August 26, 2016 SO Recordings/Caroline proudly released Eleven Eleven domestically in the North American region. Having already attained charted positions in both the UK and Japan, what will this proper American introduction mean for the trio of Dinosaur Pile-Up?
Sure to make a strong first impression, single “11:11” comes on with powerful, ominous guitars while Bigland’s vocals touch-down with monotone textures before giving way to an anthem scream of “11:11!” Currently gaining airplay on SiriusXM’s Octane, motivating energy races through this track for a grand opening. Only leading to further curiosity of listeners, “Red And Purple” comes in feeling like an ode to early Punk Rock with raw guitars and grainy styling. With a beat that mirrors the tempo, its stomping heartbeat is reminiscent of the emotion felt in early Nirvana recordings. Continuing with unfiltered sounds, “Grim Valentine” features an unprocessed guitar and heady beat of crashing drums. Matched with uncomplicated lyrics, Bigland’s vocal approach makes for a moody piece.
Moving on, their latest single entitled “Friend Of Mine” comes stomping in with a rebel air followed by a catchy chorus that will inspire listeners to sing along. Open to interpretation, one could look at the lyrics as a metaphor for a personal or chemical infatuation. Keeping up the energy, “Nothing Personal” is another distorted guitar cut that only slows momentarily midway through to emphasizes loneliness. Clearly reflecting on the struggles of relationships, there is no doubt, regardless of one’s age, the listener could easily want to sit back somewhere and close their eyes and disappear for a while. Continuing with the uneasy feeling of anxiety, “Anxiety Trip” mixes quieter moments in with crashing beats, as if to actually create the feeling where the listener is going on a trip with the band. Brilliantly executed, it could be considered one the heaviest song on the entire record.
Lightening up the mood a bit, “Might As Well” comes in with a cleaner sounding guitar and sharper vocals than featured prior on the record. A perfect track for a summer night bonfire, it is well suited to match a happier life moment. Wasting no time to get heavy again, “Gimme Something” features a thick guitar riff with dramatic pauses in between muscled beats. Defiant and loud, this song feels like a guerilla assault with guitars and vocals instead of rapid gunfire. Then, with the most furious speed of all, “Bad Penny” comes careening in with guitars and killer drumming. Sending a message of self-acceptance, and poking at the fakers, the lyrics clearly do not back down from anything.
Then in one of the more surprising moments of Eleven Eleven, “Crystalline” slows things down a bit with more mellow vocals and a quieter guitar introduction, but ramps things up a bit as the song fully kicks in. Carrying on a slower tempo at times gives this track a more serious attitude, while the layering of vocals add a welcomed depth. Ending it all on an explosive note, “Willow Tree” rounds the album out with pounding tempos and a dramatic flair. Filled with a darker feeling throughout the track, there are pauses in between the vocals, adding intensity to it all.
Eleven Eleven pulls elements from original Punk Rock styles and mixes it with Grunge for an altogether heavy and intense sound. While the textures of the guitars and volume of the vocals keeps a common theme, each track respectively offers a little something different to the listeners. Fans of raw, unadulterated Rock with a Punk angst kick to the ass, Dinosaur Pile-Up’s Eleven Eleven is a must listen. CrypticRock gives this album 5 out of 5 stars.
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