Dillinger Four is a punk band formed in 1994 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They’ve released 4 studio albums, one live album, one compilation, and a few EPs and splits. Fast tempos, interesting bass lines, pop culture samples, and 3 part harmonies all ideally recorded in stereo. This will twist your heads.
Midwestern Songs of the Americas (1998)
Starting off with a bang, Dillinger Four jump out of the gate with a killer debut album. They quickly establish their unique sound and prove why they stand head and shoulders above their contemporaries. There’s a craftsmanship to their songs that is sorely lacking in other punk bands. Rests, key changes, solos, sudden bridges, and changes in acoustics all add up to a killer album. It’ll have you singing along in no time.
Grade: B
Best Song: O.K.F.M.D.O.A.
Worst Song: The Great American Going Out of Business Sale
Versus God (2000)
Dillinger Four prove they’re full of maximum piss and vinegar on their sophomore album. Their ability to write infectious hooks yet retain punk credentials is second to none. On Versus God they strive sell their message to move post anything that holds you back, whether it be religion, government, or your friends, but I can’t say they get the message across too well. In the years since bands like Dead Kennedys told us the government was corrupt and dangerous punk music has become less about the message, and more about the fashion. Not that I hold this against Dillinger Four, they do all they can to push the message back to listeners, but we’re now so use to punk not saying anything, I fear we can’t see the forest for the trees.
Honestly, this is my least favorite Dillinger Four album. It’s still fun and loud, but the hooks aren’t as impressive as other albums, and I find a few of the songs sound too similar and begin to merge together. All together a solid album, but not their best.
Grade: C
Best Song: Music is None of My Business
Worst Song: Wrecktheplacefantastic
Situationist Comedy (2002)
Back and better than ever, Dillinger Four rip through 13 songs preaching the gospel of nonconformity and personal identity. I love the tone of Situationist Comedy. They target corporate design and the idea that companies can dictate what we should like, what we should look like, and how we should act. Their message of individuality is loud and clear. Don’t let others label you, but if they do, who cares, just live your life.
The musicality is their best yet. The songs are addicting, the lyrics are clever and poignant, and the music is a blast of punk energy. You’ll feel you just left the mosh pit when the album is finished. A must have for punk fans.
Grade: A
Best Song: Fuzzy Pink Handcuffs
Worst Song: Labourissuesinthetoydepartment
Civil War (2008)
Coming 6 years after their previous album, Dillinger Four prove they are the only current punk band worth listening to. Their ability to cram hooks into a catchy song is amazing, and they pull out off the stops with Civil War. Showcasing a more mature sound, Dillinger Four tighten up loose ends of their music and go for the throat, targeting religion, government, and the rich. Channeling the works of Dead Kennedys, they lead a frontal assault for the minds of Americans to think for themselves and don’t let others tell you you can’t do something.
It took me a while to be absorbed into this album. When a punk band matures beyond fart jokes and songs about beer, they have to rediscover their fan base and prove themselves worthy all over again. This holds true for Civil War. I felt the album was too polished and clean to be a proper Dillinger Four album, but as I listened to it further, I discovered it’s still the band I know and love, they’ve just matured as lyricists and musicians. Their own special blend of comedy is still present, but now comes presented in a little different container.
Grade: B
Best Song: Ode To The North American Snake Oil Distributor
Worst Song: Like Eye Contact In An Elevator
Grade Breakdown:
- Situationist Comedy A
- Midwestern Songs of the Americas B
- Civil War B
- Versus God C
