The band is well known for their relatively frequent lineup changes, which, most notably, involves a fluctuating lineup of vocalists, both on tour and on record. Dance Gavin Dance incorporates many different musical genres into their palette, such as math rock, funk, and soul on top of its post-hardcore sound. Ex-vocalist Jonny Craig also received high marks for contributing to the band's unorthodox soul sound and guitarist Will Swan has been recognized for his intricate, fast-moving guitar licks and riffs.
The band currently consists of vocalists Jon Mess and Tilian Pearson, guitarists Will Swan and Andrew Wells and drummer Matthew Mingus.
To date, the band has released ten studio albums, two live albums and one EP. Their most recent album, entitled Jackpot Juicer was released in 2022.
Discography:
November 14, 2006 - Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean
May 15, 2007 - Downtown Battle Mountain
August 19, 2008 - Dance Gavin Dance
June 9, 2009 - Happiness
March 8, 2011 - Downtown Battle Mountain II
October 8, 2013 - Acceptance Speech
April 14, 2015 - Instant Gratification
October 7, 2016 - Mothership
June 8, 2018 - Artificial Selection
April 24, 2020 - Afterburner
July 29, 2022 - Jackpot Juicer
All of Dance Gavin Dance's records have been released on Rise Records.
Band Members:
Jonathan Mess - harsh vocals (2005โ2008; 2010โpresent)
Will Swan - guitars (2005โpresent); harsh vocals (2008โ2010), bass guitar (2022-present)
Tilian Pearson - clean vocals (2012โpresent)
Matt Mingus - drums, percussion (2005โpresent)
Andrew Wells - guitars, clean vocals, bass guitar (2021-present; touring 2015-2021)
Sergio Medina - rhythm guitar, bass guitar (touring 2021-present)
Former Members:
Jonny Craig โ clean vocals (2005โ2007; 2010โ2012; touring 2015, 2016)
Kurt Travis โ clean & harsh vocals (2007โ2010; touring 2012, 2015, 2016)
Alvaro Alcala โ guitar (2005-2006)
Sean O'Sullivan โ guitar (2006โ2007; touring 2010)
Zachary Garren โ guitar (2007โ2010; touring 2015)
Josh Benton - guitar (2010-2014)
Eric Lodge โ bass guitar (2005โ2008; 2010โ2012)
Jason Ellis โ bass guitar (2008โ2009)
Tim Feerick โ bass guitar (2009โ2010; 2012โ2022; died 2022)
Former touring members:
Matt Geise โ clean vocals (2012)
Dan Snook โ guitar (2010)
Aric Garcia - guitar (2014-2015)
Alex Whitcomb - guitar (2015)
Tony Marks โ bass guitar (2010)
Jordan McCoy โ bass guitar (2011โ2012)
The Backwards Pumpkin Song
Dance Gavin Dance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm stealing the jewels
In a slow motion action replay
Bar fight, I invented chivalry
Notch in my bed post
Slow motion action replay[2x]
Now the fog is rolling in
Oh, please don't get up, I'll get that for you
It's selfish to say I believe when
I believe all these lies and long enough
[Don't just lay on the ground son]
[Don't just drown in the fountain]
And I don't know you
I don't know you[2x]
[You got stuck preaching action]
[I fell down using tact son]
And I don't know
I don't know you[2x]
Bring back this fight tonight
All of these lies that I uphold[Don't mind them they can't elope]
For one good note[Leave them off of the great boat]
All of these lies that I uphold[Don' mind them they can't elope]
For one false hope[Leave them off of the great boat]
One False Hope
Go on and fix your tie
And just lead the line out
Needless to say, I stumble and you play, all night long
Fix you tie and just lead the line out
Needless to say[8x]
Bring back this fight tonight
All of these lies that I uphold[Don't mind them they can't elope]
For one good hope[Leave them off of the great boat]
Bring back this fight tonight
All of that I uphold[Don't mind them they can't elope]
For one false hope[Leave them off of the great boat]
Now you'll find, as I rewind
Now you'll find, it's not the point[4x]
One Love
The Backwards Pumpkin Song by Dance Gavin Dance appears to be a song about personal struggles, and the desire to manipulate situations in a way that would benefit oneself. While starting off with an adrenaline-filled scene of stealing jewels and fighting, the lyrics eventually shift to a more introspective approach. The fog metaphorically represents confusion and doubt in one's own beliefs, and despite being aware of the lies they believe in, they can't seem to let go of them.
The verses also mention a warning against being stagnant and losing oneself to the environment or others, with the lines "Don't just lay on the ground son" and "Don't just drown in the fountain." The chorus seems to advocate for taking control of one's actions and facing the consequences instead of going through life holding onto false hopes and lies. The phrase "one false hope" may be reflective of the idea that holding onto something that is not inherently true may hinder one's personal growth and progress.
Overall, the song shares a common theme with many of Dance Gavin Dance's other songs, including inner conflict, self-improvement, and the challenges of personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Sit down, call off the cavalry
Please calm down and stop causing a scene
I'm stealing the jewels
I'm taking something valuable for myself
In a slow motion action replay
I'm reliving a moment in slow motion
Bar fight, I invented chivalry
I acted gallantly during a bar fight
Notch in my bed post
I've had another conquest
Slow motion action replay[2x]
I'm still thinking about that moment
Now the fog is rolling in
Things are becoming unclear or uncertain
Bringing us that much closer, to a senseless end
This situation will only result in a pointless conclusion
Oh, please don't get up, I'll get that for you
I'm trying to help, please don't trouble yourself
It's selfish to say I believe when
Claiming to believe something might be self-serving or insincere
I believe all these lies and long enough
I've believed falsehoods for too long
[Don't just lay on the ground son]
Get up and do something, don't just give up
[Don't just drown in the fountain]
Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by trivial things
And I don't know you
I'm not familiar with you
I don't know you[2x]
I'm not sure who you are
[You got stuck preaching action]
You're focused on words, but not doing anything about it
[I fell down using tact son]
I tried to do something carefully, but it didn't work out
And I don't know
I'm not sure
I don't know you[2x]
I'm not familiar with who you are
Bring back this fight tonight
Let's fight passionately tonight
All of these lies that I uphold[Don't mind them they can't elope]
I'm holding on to these false beliefs, but they can't escape reality
For one good note[Leave them off of the great boat]
For one moment of success, disregard these unimportant things
All of these lies that I uphold[Don' mind them they can't elope]
I'm still holding onto these falsehoods, even though they can't escape reality
For one false hope[Leave them off of the great boat]
For false hope, disregard unimportant things
One False Hope
This hope is not legitimate
Go on and fix your tie
Take care of your appearance
And just lead the line out
Get us out of here
Needless to say, I stumble and you play, all night long
I'm making mistakes, while you keep things going all night long
Now you'll find, as I rewind
As I review the situation, you'll see
It's not the point[4x]
That's not what really matters
One Love
We are all connected
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jonathan Mess, Jonny Craig, Matthew Mingus, William Swan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RichSounds-iv9ow
September 16th in Atlanta!
Iโm counting the days down!
The most influential band of my 29 years of existence.
This is my favorite bandโฆ
8 years ago on Halloween I met some random girl turning 21 from Alabama at a NYE rave.
We shared the same love for DGDโฆ
Been โRock solidโ since day oneโฆ
@OfficiallyMaidenless
I have been listening to these guys since I was 14 and moved to Melbourne, VIC in 2007. This album in particular was hugely influential to me as a guitarist and a songwriter, and I still get full body chills at 2:18.
I can't even describe the feelings that runs through me when I hear this, every single aspect of it is exactly what it should be.
@michaelreyes9736
Same!
@originalparafan
Love this. Still to this day, I agree!
@SharpZVadErZ
This Man has the most beautiful voice that i have ever heard. It's a shame that they don't get anywhere near as much recognition as they deserve.
@hellsdethbtingr
He is not in this band anymore. His new band is called "Slaves". Check out "My soul is empty and full of white girls".
@johaneuceda
ikr Jon mess has a beautiful voice ๐๐
@shilomurphy8289
+iiJohanii You are what is right with this world. Jon Mess is a fucking legend.
@spider-man1759
+iiJohanii it's not Jon mess it's Jonny Craig unless you were talking about who does the screaming
@Krishna-rp6cw
He was joking
@DirgeOfNecron
We had a music appreciation class in my highschool. I played this song for the class one day and even our teacher was impressed. It was a cool moment in my life that I owe to this song.