What makes Artificial Selection by Dance Gavin Dance notable?

This album debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for the band. Critics praised its ambitious blend of genres, further establishing Dance Gavin Dance as a pivotal force in the post-hardcore scene and influencing numerous contemporary artists. Artificial Selection is Dance Gavin Dance's eighth studio album, released in 2018 during a period of artistic evolution following their 2016 album, Mothership. The band continues to explore complex musical structures and emotional themes while solidifying their unique sound, attracting both new listeners and long-time fans.

Who is Artificial Selection for?

Artificial Selection works well if you're into steady mid-tempo emotional exploration, intricate guitar work details and soaring vocals for catharsis.

How many songs are on Artificial Selection?

Artificial Selection has 14 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Artificial Selection

Dance Gavin Dance · 2018

51 min · 14 tracks · progressive rock

A dynamic fusion of intricate guitar work and emotive vocals, blending post-hardcore with experimental rock sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Son of Robot — The opening track sets an energetic tone with its rapid tempo and intricate instrumentation, showcasing the band's signature blend of math rock and emotional intensity.
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Midnight Crusade — This track features catchy hooks and a balance of clean and harsh vocals, exemplifying the band's ability to merge accessibility with complexity.
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Gospel Burnout — With its introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts, this song encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of personal struggles amid a chaotic world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and dynamic contrasts but has moments that feel less cohesive.

What we noticed

Vocals alternate between clean singing and harsh screams, often within the same line, creating a contrast that drives the emotional intensity.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for a more reflective conclusion to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo emotional exploration
intricate guitar work details
soaring vocals for catharsis
engaging narrative through tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced instant gratification
seek standalone hits only

Where this album fits

Career context: Artificial Selection is Dance Gavin Dance's eighth studio album, released in 2018 during a period of artistic evolution following their 2016 album, Mothership. The band continues to explore complex musical structures and emotional themes while solidifying their unique sound, attracting both new listeners and long-time fans.
Stylistic neighbors: The Fall of Troy· Chiodos· Emarosa