ALBUM REVIEW ~ DEAD POET SOCIETY ~ '!' (THE EXCLAMATION ALBUM)

Dead Poet Society, I'm Music Magazine, intoodeep, ! The Exclamation Album, CoDa, Spinefarm Records

Following up on their 2016 EP, Dempsey, L.A. based alt-rock band Dead Poet Society seems to have decided to refocus the center of your gravitational experience with music. DPS, who are newly signed with the label Spinefarm Records and have recently worked with Grammy-nominated Producer Alex Newport, are coming at you with their first full-length album ! (The Exclamation Album).

Formed in Massachusetts, DPS first gained recognition with their debut single “Sound and Silence”; released in 2014. With the use of dirty guitar riffs, slamming drums and soul-driven bass, along with a phenomenal lead vocalist, DPS are a standout band.

Dead Poet Society may reminisce of greats like Kings of Leon with lead vocalist Jack Underkofler emanating a sound similar to Kaleo with a flare of a rock style Paolo Nutini and Hozier, but don’t be fooled by his standout power vocals. This band is no clone and is entirely individualistic in it’s art.

Opening with a heavily themed “Do you; don’t be fake” soundbite The Exclamation Album continues with an instrumental futuristic, (almost gliding on Electronica), element. Tracks like “Bury Me Whole” take back power from a negative, toxic relationship, while other tracks such as “Get Away For the Weekend” and “American Blood” (A nod to inspiring personal strengths) will have you singing at the top of your lungs in your car.

With exciting drum tracks, catchy rhythm and beat, and idiosyncradic “Wha ha ha’s” and “Ooh oh oh’s!” that could put 30 Seconds to Mars to shame, ! is an interesting, eclectic album of immense talent and individuality. A stand out album among the alt-rock genre, this is a powerful and unexpectedly emotional ride.

“In Too Deep” and “I Never Loved Myself Like I Love You” explore the inner turmoil and angst of struggle. Can we be loved if we can’t love ourselves? Human connection, like amber sap that flows through a tree, and the importance of human connection is highlighted on the philosophical soundbite “JU.”

Grinding guitar and bass elements in shattering impressive tracks heavily theme this album; perhaps showcasing themselves best in the stand out single “CoDA.” Deep, insightful and oftentimes tragic lyrics that will move your mind like a poetry slam excite the nerves.

The final track, “Haunted,” leaves you with goosebumps and a swollen heart.
A band that’s not afraid to be themselves in an industry that tries to mold you to what’s popular, ! is a fantastic work of art. Turn it up loud and ponder the state of existence for a while.

I’m Music Magazine Contributing Writer Breezy Blake