Dance Gavin Dance

Formed in 2005 in Sacramento, California, Dance Gavin Dance is part of the American post-hardcore scene, blending experimental rock with progressive elements and touches of funk and R&B. From the beginning led by guitarist Will Swan and screamed vocalist Jon Mess, the band is characterized by alternating screamed and clean vocals, very melodic guitars and often fragmented song structures. After notable early exposure on Myspace and alternative tours, Dance Gavin Dance released Downtown Battle Mountain in 2007, followed by Dance Gavin Dance (2008) and Happiness (2009), periods marked by several singer changes, notably Jonny Craig and then Kurt Travis. The lineup stabilized around singer Tilian Pearson starting with Acceptance Speech in 2013, followed by Instant Gratification (2015), Mothership (2016), Artificial Selection (2018), Afterburner (2020) and Jackpot Juicer (2022). Regularly present at rock festivals and on international tours, Dance Gavin Dance developed across their albums a sound where post-hardcore combines with math-rock motifs, pop choruses and sometimes psychedelic atmospheres.