Senior reacts to La Dispute "Edward Benz, 27 Times (Audiotree Live) (Episode118)

First-time reaction/listen to runnerup in poll #10 - Grand Rapids, MI post-hardcore band La Dispute. Based on a true story.
Original video link:
• La Dispute - Edward Be...

[@andrewvalenski921]

I think the singer (and the band) is very aware of their sound and the relationship it has with the message/emotional space of the song. They are all very aware of themselves as *all* being instruments to the composition. Some other recommendations that you may enjoy/be interested in: Farewell Transmission - Songs:Ohia Sun In An Empty Room - Weakerthans Rotten Hell - Menomena

[@wallbangerreactions]

I've added these to my spreadsheet for a future community poll. Looks like Songs: Ohia is the most popular of the three. Thanks!

[@dylanromansky7228]

This is definitely a band that benefits from having the lyric sheets up in front of you while you listen. Being able to take in his delivery choices while understanding what he's saying is massive for the impact of his words

[@wallbangerreactions]

For sure. Thanks dylan.

[@radandpaisley]

This is the most innocent reaction. I think the presentation of the vocals, and the way they accompany the instrumentation. With the lyrics being the icing in the proverbial cake. Is amazing

[@wallbangerreactions]

I lost my musical innocence a long time ago.

[@matthew5692]

I think your criticisms of the band are very fair. Usually when I show people this band they have the same reaction to the vocals. Hell, I like the band and even I hated the vocal style at first and it took me a lot of listens to warm up to them. I definitely appreciate the honesty , thanks for the reaction!

[@wallbangerreactions]

At least he is passionate. Gotta love that. If you warmed up to them, I can too. Thanks Matthew.

[@everyshaecarry2863]

King Park is another amazing track by this group, with a similar structure of 'journalism rock' Glad you enjoyed overall.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks for the recommendation. And thanks for watching.

[@galaxydrifter1165]

I just want to take a moment, song and reaction aside, to commend you for using VLC. Well done sir

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks. The player hasn't been working lately and I miss it. I should get that fixed ASAP.

[@galaxydrifter1165]

@@wallbangerreactions hasn't been working at all? I don't know if you handle you're own tech but I recommend uninstalling the player, reboot windows, then reinstall the VLC setup from their website. That typically fixes it. If that doesn't work feel free to reach out.

[@galaxydrifter1165]

@@wallbangerreactions oh and if it does work I'll take a reaction to "Brain Dance" by Animals as Leaders as payment for my elementary level tech advise 🤣🤣🤣. I'm glad I stumbled on your channel tonight, keep the content coming. You have a new subscriber in me.

[@wallbangerreactions]

@@galaxydrifter1165 I did all of that beforehand. Same issue. Much of the player works fine - it's just the one thing I want it to do that it was doing and then, like a little child, just decided it wasn't going to cooperate anymore. When I find the patience, I can reach out. Thanks.

[@wallbangerreactions]

I ended up buying an Acer Nitro 5 about a year ago. It has a much better graphics card.

[@6potsofgold877]

Regarding your comment on the song being a bit like a news story told straight forward without much metaphor or subtlety, which is absolutely fair, I just wanted to provide some insight on the song within the context of the album which may give you a different perspective. The album this song comes from, Wildlife, is conceptually about a man writing one night about trying to reconcile death and loss, and being unable to find the strength to do so. This track in particular comes later in the album during a 3 song stretch where there are 3 stories about death (King Park, I See Everything, and Edward Benz, 27 times), all pulled personally from real experiences the lead vocalist/lyricist has crossed paths with. He uses each story to help himself within the concept of the album find example of people who have suffered great loss and experienced these horrible things, but can come out on the other side with faith, strength and peace. Something he can't seem to find for himself, even though in his mind he hasn't suffered nearly as much as them, which is something he is struggling a great deal with. So while yes, the lyrics are presented pretty straight forward, they are within the bigger picture of the story being told on the album thematically tied closely to it, and have more meaning behind just the story of Edward Benz

[@wallbangerreactions]

Good to know, thanks.

[@falloutboy0403]

When I first heard Jordan Dreyer, the La Dispute vocalist, my friends and I literally made fun of it. I'm not proud of it. But that was our first reaction after hearing the delivery of Nobody, Not Even the Rain from their debut record, before the record that features Edward Benz (it's called Somewhere at the Bottom of a River between Vega and Altair). But it only took me a few months to hear the rest of the material and the lyrical content and well as the really solid, mimicking heavy guitar parts in the background, so synced with the picture the vocals are painting. Then I recognized them as genuinely talented artists. The real reason I commented was that I firmly believe that this song, as well as any other song by La Dispute, especially the faster ones, NEED a transcription by your side to help you fully conceptualize the story. It would be like sharing a room with someone who's reading a book, out loud, during a rock concert. Doesn't matter how loud they scream -- it will not be as impressionable on you until you read the lyrics --- and there is the sting. Not /just/ a song anymore if you need literature to carry it. It also helps I like the vocal style / screaming, it provides clear dynamic shifts between sections, and it builds a real sense of urgency, this guy yelling in your ear. For me, when I have learnt the words, and I have the song playing loudly, and I can match those words with Jordan, It's one of the most powerful spiritual experiences in my life and use it as therapy from time to time.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Nice comment,. Interesting. Appreciate that you watched the reaction and were thoughtful.

[@WarmMouth]

You should react to King Park!

[@wallbangerreactions]

Noted. Thanks.

[@Trowa71]

The lyrics are the strongest part of the act. I find the vocal delivery to be relatable, sounds like me, but I get why it isn't well received most times.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Thanks Trowa71. An impassioned band for sure.

[@belzorahollow3888]

I'm curious how you'll feel about "I See Everything" by La Dispute. It's along the same lines as this one, but in my opinion much more emotional.

[@wallbangerreactions]

This song has been added to a new poll. See the Community tab.

[@miggeth2743]

Can you recommend other artists you mentioned had done it better?

[@wallbangerreactions]

Trust that this is a serious question and not a bait. Bob Dylan "Hurricane." You could study those lyrics in an English literature class. And it's all based on factual events. BTW, in watching the video again so I could answer your question, I liked the song more than the first reaction. I liked Chat Pile a bit more, but this is good stuff.

[@rdumontdebeque]

The music was good. I didn’t warm up to the singer's voice. When you have a spare moment, give a listen to Protomartyr, another really good post punk band from Michigan.

[@wallbangerreactions]

Great suggestion. Unfortunately, I've listened to The Agent Intellect more than once. Like it quite a bit. I've added this to my spreadsheet for a future poll and, if it wins, I should be able honestly react to material I've not heard. I do know the band, though.