Downtown Battle Mountain II
Dance Gavin Dance · 2011
88 min · 24 tracks · progressive rock
An eclectic blend of intricate rhythms and soaring melodies, blending post-hardcore energy with experimental rock textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Robot With Human Hair Pt.2 1/2 — This track exemplifies the band’s signature blend of melodic hooks and chaotic instrumentation, showcasing both the technical prowess of the musicians and Craig's dynamic vocal range.
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And I Told Them I Invented Times New Roman — With its intricate guitar work and shifting time signatures, this track encapsulates the experimental rock elements that define the album’s sound.
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Heat Seeking Ghost of Sex — This track stands out for its playful yet intense energy, combining catchy choruses with frenetic verses that highlight the band’s unique approach to songwriting.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate rhythms and dynamic vocals but has uneven cohesion due to its length.
What we noticed
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, providing a contrasting exhale to the preceding intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- dynamic shifts in rhythm
- frenetic energy for active listening
- short bursts of intensity
- engaging complexity in melodies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward listening experiences
- seek predictable song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2011, Downtown Battle Mountain II is Dance Gavin Dance's fifth studio album and serves as a follow-up to their 2007 album, Downtown Battle Mountain. This record marked the return of vocalist Jonny Craig after his departure, showcasing the band's ability to reinvent their sound while maintaining their signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Fall of Troy· Chiodos· Emarosa
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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People You Knew
The moment shifts from nostalgic reflection to a direct confrontation about past relationships, emphasizing personal accountability.
This transition adds emotional weight to the narrative, forcing the listener to engage with themes of regret and growth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Spooks 4:03
- 2 Pounce Bounce 2:26
- 3 The Robot With Human Hair Pt.2 1/2 4:36
- 4 Thug City 3:17
- 5 Need Money 3:08
- 6 Elder Goose 3:43
- 7 Heat Seeking Ghost of Sex 4:06
- 8 Blue Dream 4:40
- 9 Privilously Poncheezied 3:54
- 10 Swan Soup 4:00
- 11 Purple Reign 4:42
- 12 People You Knew 2:35
- 13 Perfect 2:58
Disc 2
- 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 Andre 3:13
- 5 Lemon Meringue Tie 3:51
- 6 The Backwards Pumpkin Song 4:07
- 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 4:30
- 10 Surprise! I'm From Cuba. Everyone Has One Brain 4:55
- 11 12 Hours, 630 Miles 1:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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