The legions of fans that follow Dillinger Escape Plan were obviously separated when it came to opinions of their breakthrough release Miss Machine. While many certainly loved the CD (and most critics agreed as well), there were a good percentage that screamed 'sellout' and demanded a return to the maniacal sounds of Calculating Infinity. Well, here we have their latest release on Relapse Records, Ire Works, and while there are elements that recall the bands earlier, more aggressive material, the formula certainly follows what was started on Miss Machine, and even improves on it. Opening cuts "Fix Your Face" and "Lurch" certainly recall the DEP of old, combining frenzied instrumental wankery with crushing rhythms and Greg Puciato's screaming vocals. However, it's the arrival of the catchy pop number "Black Bubblegum" that brings the CD's first surprise. Shades of System of a Down, Faith No More, Korn, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers abound on this one, as the band mixes shimmering pop hooks with funky arrangements for a formula that has hit single written all over it. "Sick on Sunday" follows, and this one is somewhat of a Nine Inch Nails electro-techno pop number, that unfortunately ends way too quickly just as it is getting interesting. Funny thing is, despite these two pieces being drastically different from anything you have heard from DEP before, they really work well.
"Nong Eye Gong" and "82588" are both brutal & technical hardcore, and "When Acting As A Wave" is a wonderfully complex prog/math rock instrumental, complete with ominous keyboards, intricate stop/start guitar riffs, and blistering drum/bass grooves. The more funk based "Milk Lizard" is one of the album's party tracks, a real upbeat number with horn samples, beefy rhythms, piano, lurching guitar lines, and Puciato's mix of screams and clean vocals. The singer is all business on the brutal math-core "Party Smasher" (which also features some dizzying guitar interplay) and crushing "Horse Hunter". However, it's the two longest pieces "Dead As History" and "Mouth Of Ghosts" that prove to be the most interesting numbers here, as the band shows a tremendous penchant for modern prog and Nine Inch Nails styled electronic/industrial rock, putting aside their hardcore and metal influences to try something completely different. It's a tricky chance they are taking with these two numbers, but ultimately the risk paid off as both songs are very entertaining and add a different element to the DEP repertoire.
In the end, Ire Works is a masterpiece of varied modern music. Sure, there are tunes here that might totally turn off some of their longtime fans, but there's certainly enough here that will open the doors to countless new listeners. Dillinger Escape Plan has proven that they are constantly progressing, and mainstream acceptance should be right around the corner.
Track Listing
1. Fix Your Face
2. Lurch
3. Black Bubblegum
4. Sick On Sunday
5. Whan Acting As A Particle
6. Nong Eye Gong
7. When Acting As A Wave
8. 82588
9. Milk Lizard
10. Party Smasher
11. Dead As History
12. Horse Hunter
13. Mouth Of Ghosts
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