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They've survived break-ups, broken limbs and Darth Vader to become one of rock's most ingenious acts. Andrew Borthwick meets with Dillinger Escape Plan
osl bands have their share of bad luck. Dillinger liscape l’lan have their share and others' too. The New Jersey noisecore troupe's misfortunes include: five years between debut and sophomore albums. approximately seven line—up changes (songwriter and guitarist Ben Weinman is now the sole original member). original bassist Adam Doll being paralysed in a car—crash and nerve-damage rendering long-term guitarist Brian Benoit unable to play.
But nothing hit the band quite like the departure of
drummer (‘hris l’ennie. which sidelined the recording of new album Irv llin‘ks. liver since the group‘s jaw- dropping I’m/er the Running Bonn] lil’ and the genre— delining ('u/(‘u/uring Inlinirv album in l‘)‘)‘) Pennie
had played an integral role. his mastery of
polyrhythms and complex time shifts becoming a key
component of the group's explosive blend of
hardcore. metal. _ia// and atmospherics.
When a series ol‘ physical injuries l'orced Dillinger
into a prolonged period of rest. l’ennie began helping out pop—proggers (‘oheed and (‘ambria. Neither side is keen to pour salt in (new) wounds but friendships were tested and the end result was that l’ennie accepted a permanent slot with (‘oheed.
‘We were up shit-creek.‘ says vocalist (ireg Puciato. ‘(‘hris was an amazing talent and we started to worry that we would never find someone who could replace him. We reached out to everyone possible. But people either couldn't commit or couldn‘t play the material.‘
Eventually. Poison the Well drummer Chris Hornbrook suggested his friend. session drummer Gil
66 THE LIST 1-14.78 Felt .3008
‘WE'RE NOT ONE OF THOSE BANDS WHO CAN BE PUT UNDER ONE UMBRELLA'
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Sharone. ‘We were sceptical. We thought: “If he‘s this good. how come we haven‘t heard of him?" But (iil said: “Send me two of your hardest songs." Two days later he called me on speakerphone and killed the songs. Then he slowed them down to prove he was nailing every part - and built them up again. I was like. “OK. you winl‘"
Sharone‘s presence 7 'l‘uttle and bassist l.iam Wilson has led to w hat l’uciato's describes as the ‘best time in this band‘s history". This new-found optimism is also reflected in their music. Dillinger were always experimental. but Irv llbrks is something else. And. while the group‘s mathcore material is more aggressive and complex than before. it‘s the electonica. pop and Latin influences that are most startling.
'I do understand bands who write the same recordsf accepts the frontman. ‘I don't want to hear electronica on a Slayer record but I think we‘ve worked really hard to demonstrate that we‘re not one of those bands who can be put under one umbrella.‘
Of course such musical outlandishness is bound to bring weird followers. Not least Darth Vader himsell'. ‘We were in Toronto and Hayden (‘hristensen ended up in the back ol~ our tourbus.‘ laughs the singer. 'You always get people a; shows in Hollywood ~~ mostly to be seen — but this was dil'l‘erent. This was in ('anada. he was completely out of his mind drunk. we doubt he even remembers it. We don't even know if he was all the show or nul.‘
Cathouse, Glasgow, Fri 15 Feb.
alongside new guitarist Jel‘l'
=i= Stephanie Dosen Nu lolk IS the vaguely senSible tag for Dosen's elegant Mitchell (that's Joni. not Peggyi-inspired songs. The Ark, Edinburgh, Wed 27 Feb; King Tut's. Glasgow. Thu 28 Feb. (Rock 8. Pop)
:1: Sons and Daughters and Black Kids The 8&0 premier the bolshy wonderment of This Gift. ABC. Glasgow, Fri 15 Feb; Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 76 Feb. (Rock 8 Pop)
-I‘- Willy Campbell, Rico Franchi and No 1 Son A cunning local triple-headed beast topped by former Astrid frontman and all round bloody fine singer-songwriter Willy Campbell. Stereo. Glasgow, Sat 76 Feb. (Rock <2 Pop)
31: Cool Kids A hip hop act that are truly a product of their 803 upbringing. That means slack raps about BMXs rather than Ferraris in their own distinctive style. See preview, page 67. Ego. Edinburgh, Sun 7 7 Feb. (Rock 8. Pop)
ti: The Wombats, To My Boy, Glasvegas and Eugene McGuinness A handy catch all for several quality up and comers, including the Spector- esgue magic of Glasvegas. Barrow/and, Glasgow, Thu 27 Feb. (Rock 8. Pop)
:7: Basquiat Strings and Portico Quartet Jazz meets classical in rambunctious style. The headliners feature drummer Seb ‘Acoustic Ladyland' Rochtord in their number. See preview. page 67. Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh, Tue 79 Feb. (Jazz)
>2: Reel Afghanistan Festival Two concerts showcasing ample talents of the Kharabat Collective as part of the Afghanistan Film festival on this month. This Should be as mind expanding as the movies on show no doubt. Reid Concert Hall, Edinburgh, Sat 23 Feb; Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, Sun 24 Feb. (Folk)