Leeds very own Dinosaur Pile-Up are gearing up for the release of third full length album in Eleven Eleven with the three piece looking to expand there name and reach new horizons. The band are very well known no touring circles already in their career having been playing up and down the country for years and are now looking to take the next step in there career. Are they ready to do this? Does the album live up to expectations?
The resounding answer to both of these questions, based on this album, is a resounding yes. Eleven Eleven opens with the title track and the first thing of notice is that the guitar is taking central stage on this album, with the crunch in the sound befitting of a hard rock or metal band, not a post grunge garage rock outfit. This track outlines that perfectly with the chorus making full use of that brilliant riff used in the intro and the drummer making himself noticeable throughout also, serious talent on display from track one.
The momentum is carried on through the following tracks Red and Purple and Grim Valentine with the riffing coming out the speakers sounding disgustingly heavy while the grunge becomes more evident on both tracks with the latter especially sounding like a garage rock Nirvana while maintaining the feel of songs that Dinosaur Pile-Up have managed to establish for themselves over there reasonably long career so far.
As the album carries on we come face to face with a track that has to be considered one of my favourite releases in the year in Nothing Personal. The riff is in this song is just outstanding before the grungy brilliance of the verse takes over, only there is so much more to their sound than just being a grunge throwback. The chorus also is a brilliantly entertaining listen, with there bring some punk evident in the sound giving it that little bit of jumping in the air fun to go along with the grunge and heavy riffing. Combine all of this with a simple but brilliantly effective solo that only succeeds in making the song better and you see a truly brilliant piece of songwriting.
As the album progresses on there is more bombastic riffing and moody grungy brilliance available with exceptional songwriting, every track on this album has earned its right to be on the album whether that be the garage rock focused Gimme Something or the more grunge sounding Crystaline. However, no song deserves it’s place as much as album closer Willow Tree. Tis song shows off a much more serious and focused songwriting effort from the band and with much darker vibes. What this does is focus the attack of the album and leaves the listener fully aware that Dinosaur Pile-Up are a brilliant band who write brilliant songs and everyone with a passing interest in rock music should invest some time into this.
All in all Eleven Eleven is an album full of outstanding songwriting and showcasing the musical talent of every member of the band. The crunch in guitar is what really seperates them apart from their peers and they should be proud to have written an album this good. If you have any time at all, listen to this album people, it will be one of the best decisions you will make all year.
9/10 – Brilliant songwriting, brilliant album
Highlights – Nothing Personal, Willow Tree