Album Review: Dead Poet Society, Monarch

By Justin Bauer, OOTB Publications

Smooth grime rock is the sound of Dead Poet Society.

Their new album, titled Monarch (Spinefarm Records), releasing Friday, Oct. 2, carries this distinct duality that feels like a balancing act between an obsessively clean environment and the filth of a fresh crime scene. The pulsing bass lines that define this record carry a distortion so dirty that lips curl and jaws clench when the rhythm drags you away.

The opening song offers an old timey AM radio feel, a lighthearted invitation to something more sinister that hits with the rhythm of the first verse. The use of layered vocals in falsetto is a distinct nod to Queen, while the sequencer offers hints of Muse. Big drums encapsulate the desperate plea, “dance with me!” “Hollywood On Fire” starts the record off with unique production flair that isn’t repeated.

Rigid drum machines turn over to start up “Roach.”These drum samples remind me of a half tempo “Gave Up,” by Nine Inch Nails. The rhythm guitars start up, and I feel the walls of the machine are closing in. By the end of this song, the textures weave this rhythmic tapestry that builds this dense wall of sound, and I have to admit, I’m a fan.

The third track, “Die If You Don’t,” bounces back and forth between spacy atmospheric pop and their hard-hitting dirty rhythms. There’s a desperate plea, “All I want is you to love me,” that has the capacity to resonate.

The borderline trip hop feel of “Sinner Systems” is interrupted for the gritty sound presented in the chorus. The drum performance hits so hard and Will Goodroad shines here, before the droning outro pivots the mood to the crossroad of dreamy and frightening.

“Lost” offers the relatable conflict of finding and questioning purpose. Lead guitars remind me of A Perfect Circle, and I’m impressed with the range of sound this band has put on this record.

The distortion on the bass in “Cold” is so dirty that I’m surprised when the pop approach to vocal delivery makes these intricate songs accessible. This song feels like an anthem that would go over really well live.

The alternative guitars on “Miami For The Weekend” have a pure 90’s tone. I’m thinking Nirvana through the verses, while the chorus dials in the Dead Poet Society’s signature sound. The outro fades and we’re left feeling submerged.

“Get Hot” is an angry track about reacting to conflict. Matching energy with someone who hates you… good times. There’s this trip hop segment on the bridge and flashy drums in the later half.

The album concludes with “The Art Of Suffering,”where clean guitars are utilized to start the song. The riff feels like classic rock, something nostalgic I can’t pin down. The rhythmic groove here is perfect for a slow dance situation.

Dead Poet Society has a distinctive sound all their own, and I appreciate their ability to blend various influences with their own technical skill.

Monarch is a fantastic record that I’ll be listening to for the foreseeable future. The songwriting and production is rich and filthy, on the same palette.

Tracklist

1. Hollywood On Fire

2. Roach

3. Die If You Don’t

4. Sinner Systems

5. Lost

6. Cold

7. Psalm 136

8. Dead On The Inside

9. Miami For The Weekend

10. Get Hot

11. The Park