Artist: Dog Fashion Disco Album: Experiments in Alchemy

Year: 1998
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Dog Fashion Disco's Experiments in Alchemy: A Daring Exploration of Genre-Bending Music

If you're a fan of unconventional music, you're probably already familiar with Dog Fashion Disco. This avant-garde metal band has been pushing the boundaries of genre for over two decades, incorporating elements of jazz, swing, prog, and even circus music into their sound. In Experiments in Alchemy, their 2019 release, they continue to explore new territory, blending electronic beats with their signature quirkiness. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the album, giving you an overview of its sound, the standout tracks, and our honest critique.

History of Dog Fashion Disco:

Dog Fashion Disco came together in 1995 in Rockville, Maryland, and soon became known for their highly energetic live shows and wildly creative music videos. While they first labeled themselves as a psycho-jazz metal band, their sound has continued to evolve and defy categorization. Their previous album, Ad Nauseam, explored dark themes of addiction and featured heavier riffs. With Experiments in Alchemy, they take a slightly softer, more experimental approach, although they still deliver some heavy moments.

Genre of Experiments in Alchemy:

As we've mentioned, it's difficult to pin down the genre of Dog Fashion Disco. Experiments in Alchemy incorporates elements from several genres, from electronica to jazz to psychedelic rock. Synthesizers dominate many of the tracks, giving them a dreamy quality that contrasts with the sometimes raucous instrumentation. Like much of their previous work, this album is a collection of stories that take the listener on a wild ride through Dog Fashion Disco's twisted imagination.

Best Songs:

Choosing the standout tracks on Experiments in Alchemy is a difficult task, as each song offers something different. Tastes So Sweet opens the album with a catchy, electronic-infused chorus that will stick in your head all day. Greta is a more mellow track with a beautiful string introduction and a haunting melody. Struck by Lightning is a standout moment, with a driving beat and catchy chorus. Finally, Starry Eyes features an unusual blend of spacey synths and circus-like swagger that perfectly exemplifies the irreverent creativity of Dog Fashion Disco.

Innovative Parts:

One of the most innovative aspects of Experiments in Alchemy is how Dog Fashion Disco melds electronic beats with their existing sound. Tracks like Piloting a Blind Girl or Ad Nauseam make ample use of electronic percussion, creating a danceable vibe that owes a debt to '80s pop music while still feeling fresh. The album's penultimate track, Terra Incognita, is a slow, trance-like number that showcases the band's talent for weaving together different atmospheric sounds.

Overall, Experiments in Alchemy is a daring exploration of genre-bending music that is sure to delight fans of Dog Fashion Disco's unique brand of eclecticism. There is no doubt that the band has taken some risks with this release, with mixed results. While there are moments of brilliance and experimentation throughout the album, there are a few tracks (Snake Charmer and Pale Horse in particular) that feel like they don't quite hit the mark. However, for the most part, this is a fascinating collection of songs that deserves to be listened to carefully, with an open mind. Dog Fashion Disco has never been a band that shies away from taking risks, and Experiments in Alchemy is a testament to their willingness to constantly push the boundaries of what's possible in music.

Overall, Experiments in Alchemy is a daring exploration of genre-bending music that is sure to delight fans of Dog Fashion Disco's unique brand of eclecticism. There is no doubt that the band has taken some risks with this release, with mixed results. While there are moments of brilliance and experimentation throughout the album, there are a few tracks (Snake Charmer and Pale Horse in particular) that feel like they don't quite hit the mark. However, for the most part, this is a fascinating collection of songs that deserves to be listened to carefully, with an open mind. Dog Fashion Disco has never been a band that shies away from taking risks, and Experiments in Alchemy is a testament to their willingness to constantly push the boundaries of what's possible in music.