Released 10 years ago this October
Mothership
Dance Gavin Dance · 2016
49 min · 13 tracks · progressive rock
An eclectic blend of intricate guitar work and dynamic vocal interplay creates a vibrant soundscape full of emotional peaks and valleys.
Top tracks — play these first
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Chucky vs. The Giant Tortoise — This opening track captures the album's playful yet complex nature with rapid shifts in tempo and style, setting an energetic tone for what follows.
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Inspire the Liars — With its catchy chorus and intricate instrumentation, this track exemplifies the band’s signature blend of heavy and melodic elements, creating an engaging listening experience.
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Philosopher King — This song features introspective lyrics paired with soaring melodies, encapsulating the thematic depth present throughout 'Mothership' while showcasing the band’s lyrical prowess.
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Man of the Year — Closing out the album, this track combines anthemic choruses with thought-provoking lyrics, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of both musicality and message.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Mothership showcases intricate musicianship and vocal dynamics but has a somewhat conventional structure in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features complex guitar arrangements that shift between clean and distorted tones, often within the same track.
- Vocalists frequently alternate lines rather than verses, creating a dynamic interplay that enhances the emotional delivery.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion after the more energetic earlier songs.
- 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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6/10
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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- kaleidoscopic soundscapes to explore
- energetic tracks for active engagement
- quirky themes for playful vibes
- dynamic shifts in emotional tone
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek longer, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 7, 2016, 'Mothership' is Dance Gavin Dance's eighth studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'Instant Gratification' from 2015. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their status within the post-hardcore scene while navigating lineup changes, showcasing their versatility and resilience as a group.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Fall of Troy· Chiodos· Emarosa
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Inspire the Liars
The verse abruptly shifts from abstract metaphors to a direct confrontation about personal accountability.
This choice highlights a transition from vague imagery to a stark call for reflection, emphasizing the urgency in the writing.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chucky vs. The Giant Tortoise 3:56
- 2 Young Robot 3:39
- 3 Frozen One 2:48
- 4 Flossie Dickey Bounce 2:54
- 5 Deception 3:52
- 6 Inspire the Liars 4:35
- 7 Philosopher King 3:39
- 8 Here Comes the Winner 4:47
- 9 Exposed 3:32
- 10 Betrayed by the Game 3:10
- 11 Petting Zoo Justice 3:27
- 12 Chocolate Jackalope 3:50
- 13 Man of the Year 5:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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