La Dispute - Vancouver E.P. (2006)

01. Future Wars
02. A Word Of Welcome and Warning
03. See You In Vancouver
04. To Withstand The Force Of Storms
05. He Is Here, He Is Not Afraid
06. The Surgeon And The Scientist
07. Fairmount
08. Untitled

Currently there is a small handful of bands who are friends with each other who call themselves "The Wave". One of these bands is post-hardcore band La Dispute. It also includes notable bands such as Pianos Become the Teeth, Touche Amore, Make do and Mend, and Defeater. Vancouver is the first release from La Dispute, kicking off a slew of great EPs and an album to boot from the band.

The EP opens up with some very enthusiastic drumming, which sets the path for the upcoming songs, and the band begins to power through the first song, "Future Wars". From there, guitar work can be expected to be powerful, passionate and intricately beautiful throughout the EP. It is layered nicely, giving more overall depth to the band's sound. The drumming follows suit, with thundering parts, and other ones that seem to help slow the band as a whole together. Add in some subtle bass work and some very impacting vocals, and you have a great sound coming from this band. Also featured is a short piano part, found in the last song of the EP, "Untitled".


The lyrics have proven time and time again to be very moving and enjoyable. The huge emotional connection that seems to be going on here with the lyrics combined with the nature of the music can make the songs heart-wrenching. Some of them are easily relate-able, and others are more like laid-out stories that are usually beyond what most people have or will experience. Jordan's (the vocalist) vocal style varies quite a bit throughout the EP, and he caters to specific song sections differently, giving the lyric presentation a more dynamic and impacting feel. He has a good voice no matter how he applies it, and it is interesting to hear the different ways he goes about his duty.


FFO: Touche Amore, Pianos Become the Teeth


Recommended tracks: Future Wars, Fairmount

Mediafire

-Ian Williams