Downtown Battle Mountain
Dance Gavin Dance · 2007
40 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock
A frenetic blend of intricate guitar work and emotionally charged vocals that pushes the boundaries of post-hardcore.
Top tracks — play these first
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And I Told Them I Invented Times New Roman — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound, merging chaotic instrumentation with melodic hooks that showcase vocalist Jonny Craig’s impressive range.
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It’s Safe to Say You Dig the Backseat — With its dynamic shifts between serene melodies and explosive choruses, this song captures the essence of the album's experimental approach to songwriting.
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Strawberry André — The playful yet intricate composition highlights the band's ability to blend humor with emotional depth, making it a standout moment on the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic compositions and vocal dynamics, establishing a distinct sound in post-hardcore.
What we noticed
- The album opens with an untitled track that sets a chaotic tone, leading into a series of songs that rarely dip below high energy.
- Vocals alternate between clean singing and harsh screams, often within the same line, creating a dynamic contrast.
- The final track is notably longer than the others, providing an expansive conclusion that contrasts with the album's earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- wave-like pacing that surprises
- melodic interludes for breathing space
- dynamic progression with resolution
- short bursts of frenetic energy
Maybe skip if you
- seeking constant, steady rhythms
- prefer lengthy, cohesive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Downtown Battle Mountain is Dance Gavin Dance's debut studio album, released on May 15, 2007. At this point, the band was establishing their identity within the post-hardcore scene after forming in 2005. The album marked a significant step forward following their early EPs, showcasing a blend of experimental rock and emo influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Fall of Troy· Chiodos· Emarosa
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Untitled 0:48
- 2 And I Told Them I Invented Times New Roman 4:48
- 3 It’s Safe to Say You Dig the Backseat 5:14
- 4 Strawberry André 3:13
- 5 Lemon Meringue Tie 3:50
- 6 The Backwards Pumpkin Song 4:06
- 7 Antlion 3:19
- 8 Turn Off the Lights I’m Watching Back to the Future 3:59
- 9 Open Your Eyes and Look North 4:29
- 10 Surprise! I’m From Cuba. Everyone Has One Brain 4:54
- 11 12 Hours, 630 Miles 1:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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