Album Review: La Dispute – Panorama

Over the past decade, Michigan quintet La Dispute have carved a reputation as one of post-hardcore’s most singular voices. Described by the band as “the spiritual successor” to 2011’s superb Wildlife album, Panorama is a collection of emotionally-heavy snapshots of suburban life, zoning in on incidents, accidents and emergencies which took place along the route vocalist Jordan Dreyer takes to his partner’s hometown.

Those familiar with the band will be unsurprised that it’s an intense, at times overwhelming listen. Highlights such as Anxiety Panorama and There You Are (Hiding Place) build tension with Jordan’s spoken word lyrics delivered over sparse guitars, building in intensity until the anguished singer sounds close to an emotional meltdown. Newcomers should start with Footsteps At The Pond, as close as the band get to indie-rock convention, where Jordan’s gift for compelling storytelling draws upon lyrics like: ‘I think we bleed because we need to bleed.’ Put simply, Panorama is another outstanding release from a truly special band.

Rating: KKKK