by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Ohio art punk quartet DANA like to keep things weird. It’s just more enjoyable that way, always has been. Formed back in 2016, the Columbus based band have released two albums and an EP of twisted garage rock and wiggly post-punk, rooted in a sci-fi sort of escapism at times. You can tell they’re having fun, and the feeling is infectious. They have a boisterous energy, the impression of a band bursting at the seems, waiting to explode in a live setting. Having caught a bit of one of their SXSW sets, we can confirm they absolutely rip live. It’s an experience not soon forgotten. DANA live to push the envelope of sonic manipulation, pulling apart weirdo hardcore and bombastic rock ‘n’ roll to create their own brand of accessible punk. Madeline Jackson (vocals, theremin) leads the band with a real versatility, her delivery splitting the difference between carnival barker immediacy and acid-fried pop melodicism.
Following last year’s “Blueteeth” single, DANA are back at it with “R U Dead?,” a song that finds the band very much alive. With their signature space-age theremin trails leading the way, the band dive into a jangly punk bounce, locked in amid the elastic pulse of their rhythm section. There’s an anxious squirm to the song, clattering into overdrive as they weave in and around itself. Punchy vocals (complete with gang vocal accents) bolster an infectious boogie, the entire band embracing the surge. They eventually nosedive into a crescendo of unwieldy guitar, synths, and of course theremin, keeping things just alien enough to dazzle prior to destruction.
Speaking about the song, Jackson shared:
"This jaunty tune was born out of desperation and a sincere desire to create, to have fun, and that we absolutely did. Featuring our signature theremin and distorted guitars, this one also features bass player Dan Matos on the mouth harp. It was a real blast to write and record and definitely got our proverbial juices flowing, hoping it does the same for our fans. *insert Butthead laugh*"