Prior to getting myself a copy of Ire Works, my only exposure to Dillinger Escape Plan was during the 2005 edition of Gigantour. I got to watch them up close and personal from within the security barrier right in front of the stage. Unfortunately, they did not terribly impress me. There was too much twitching and acting weird while the music just sounded like a big sonic mess. At the time I had commented on their having little technique, something I am ready to retract, as it seems that the truth is actually the opposite. The may actually have too much technique. Anyway, Ire Works is my first formal recorded introduction to the pioneering math-core (what exactly does theat mean?) act. My first reaction to the album is not a positive one, but upon subsequent listenings there are a couple of songs and moments that work for me, however, it is not an album that I can get completely behind. It appears that my assessment of them from their live show was at least partially accurate.Since their 1999 debut LP, Calculating Infinity, the band has had an almost complete turnover of membership. Guitarist Ben Weinman is the sole remaining survivor of the Dillinger machine, which seems to regularly chew up and leave behind the remains of musicians. The latest exit was Chris Pennie, the band's drummer, who left literally days prior to entering the studio to begin work on Ire Works. He left the band to take up the open drum stool for Coheed & Cambria. Gil Sharone stepped up and took over the drumming duties.
As for the album, it affected me similar to Richard Kelly's latest film Southland Tales. Both that movie and this album were clearly created by ambitious folks who believe in what they are making with all their heart. They march to the beat of a different drummer and are not afraid to take chances with their chosen art. Even when the end result is not easily classified, as we all have a tendency to do, they stayed the course and made a work that is there to be deciphered, embraced, ignored, hated, loved, or just enjoyed by anyone who should take the time.
As for me? My reaction is similar to Southland Tales, not to keep bringing that up, but the comparison works. While I did not find Ire Works to be quite as out and out silly as Southland Tales, I did find it to be a bit off-putting. It is definitely a tough nut to crack and almost requires considerable time and effort in order to enjoy. I believe that the band may be just a little too ambitious. Taking the temperature of other reviews across the 'net reveals that this album has not been as nearly universally liked as prior outings, but there is one thing in common. All of the reviews praise them for their technical abilities and their attempt to continue along the path they have pioneered, mainstream success be damned.
Ire Works begins in unexpected fashion with the freak out track "Fix Your Face." I felt as if I had been dumped into the middle of a song. It was a bit disconcerting, to say the least and an interesting way to begin an album. This actually reminds me of an audio project I did during my college days that opened with all sorts of sounds blasting in all at once. The freak out continues into the second track, "Lurch," with no let up. The construction is complex, but I cannot say that I really got into them.
The album doesn't really draw me in until the third song, which is my favorite of the bunch. The song is called "Black Bubblegum" and it has a combination of jazzy, rock, and metal sounds in a more accessible package that doesn't stray from what they are looking to accomplish. It also demonstrates the influence that the departed producer, Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, Tomahawk), has had on them.
The rest of the album continues in a similar pattern. There are technical freak outs, some more accessible cuts, and other random noises, samples, and effects all working together to create a complex tapestry of sound. Unfortunately, I did not feel all that connected to any of it. I admired many of the creative aspects and dug a couple of the songs, but it is not an album that I will find myself revisiting all that often. Still, I am curious to see them live again, if only to see how this translates. Perhaps I will like them more this time?
Recommended Only for the Curious.
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