SWANCORE IS BACK! (Dance Gavin Dance "Synergy" reaction)

The new Dance Gavin Dance song "Synergy" is here! Does it hold up to "Mothership"? Is Tilian Pearson as good as Jonny Craig? Is this peak Swancore? Find out in my reaction/review of Dance Gavin Dance's "Synergy."
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[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

Join my Discord! discord.gg/dpKTrW9Q4R

[@tedwooter]

Hey Finn what do you think of Hail the Sun?

[@NickCodyComedy]

The Tilian era has been eclipsed by the Tilian+jacked Andrew Wells era. Love him as a fulltime band member.

[@dicodidiraja]

Andrew Wells, all-in-one member, the DGD-Man

[@jamespyle531]

Daddy dola

[@bradhuff5131]

Andrew+Tilian>Kurt>Tilian>Jonny

[@streetrat123]

He’s one of the main gatekeepers of this genre for sure.

[@Kenenandkellan]

Saw them and eidola are swanfest. My friend had never seen either. He goes “holy fuck that dude is jacked” when eidola came out 😂😂😂

[@rustysink22]

I feel like the "all these songs sound the same" take is the norm for anyone who's only listened to the singles off the albums and never taken a deep dive into the discography. I get the reasoning behind the take for someone who only listens to just 3-4 songs on one of their albums, but Afterburner alone had like 10 different genre mixes and songs sounding like nothing else they've done. Yes, I am very biased but there needs to be more album exploration for anyone looking for a reason why DGD has such a die-hard fanbase and is always topping their last album. Happy you checked this out!

[@bradrathbone9078]

Couldn't agree more with this statement. DGD is one of my all-time favourite bands and there are plenty of songs I don't like because of the reasons you stated. And I'm sure I love tracks that everyone thinks are mediocre or not to their standard.

[@ervin9320]

Dude!! Same hahah. I tried listening to their stuff but I just can’t. It does sound the same

[@Tonjit41]

Ye

[@troublesomesheep]

Funny to hear you describe Don Broco as low energy when that is the exact opposite of my impression of them haha hadn't heard of them until I saw them live on some tour, they popped OFF. Best energy the whole night.

[@aidanselwood8254]

So much energy. They are a regular on my gym playlist.

[@curtblack686]

Their live shows are so much fun, big energy!!!

[@Killerchimp02]

Facts the song Bruce Willis 🔥

[@sean_mccadden]

It does kind of make sense ehat hes saying just listening to the recording. Their energy I can agree doesn't translate as much as it does live since their stage is honestly pretty amazing!

[@danielseale9636]

Saw them live a few years ago with Periphery and DgD. Huge fan ever since. They were amazing live.

[@songzandwatnot]

RIP Tim. A phenomenal bassist in his own right.

[@1989re]

Be very interested to see what your thoughts are on Don Broco’s progress as a band from their start to now, they’re fantastic at what they do

[@aidanselwood8254]

Tillian also featured in the Don Broco song 'Action' a while back. Good song. I personally am a big fan of Don Broco. I'd disagree with the 'low energy' description. They have an almost nu-metal style, funky thing going on. Feels heavy, yet so catchy. Love it.

[@ryanbourbeau3078]

Low energy is the worst way to describe don broco haha

[@CrashBlastSmash]

Tbf the 1st and 2nd albums from Don Broco are pretty low energy in comparison to their stuff now.

[@ryanbourbeau3078]

@@CrashBlastSmash I could definitely see that it’s been a while since I’ve listened to their older stuff!

[@acenewtype8544]

@@CrashBlastSmash The second album for sure, that one is more radio rock friendly than their other albums.

[@leora2792]

@@acenewtype8544 wasn’t their previous label kind of pushing them in that direction? Which is part of why they ended up leaving?

[@TitosTheSalty]

DGD makes really technical music in a weird style. Some people love it, some people hate it, but one thing is for sure and that's that they have the perfect line up for what they do. Every piece just fits the puzzle perfectly in their band, and I appreciate how they try to accommodate what makes each of them good.

[@loudonheimsoth6916]

I will say that Don Broco is more fun live than in the studio. I’ve been to an Our Last Night concert, and out of all the bands that were up there, even against Our Last Night who was headlining, Don Broco was the most memorable out of all of them, my family couldn’t stop talking about it on the way home.

[@OurDarkestDecadePV]

Sad as fuck about Tim passing, can’t imagine how they feel

[@deadbeatSad]

I been making friends with a higher-up at work, we're into a lot of the same music. When it came to DGD, I said that "i don't have the weedly-weedly gene" and he understood I was referencing you! Now, whenever there's a new song or a show he's gonna see, he tells me "I'm watching a weedly-weedly band play next weekend" 😂 Thanks for playing a small role in building my professional relationships

[@djcj]

🔥

[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

Wow, amazing lol!

[@mloyd64]

Don Broco slaps so hard. Saw them at warped tour and they put on the best show of the day.

[@robo567]

ever since i’ve gotten into dgd, i don’t really think the “weedly weedly” licks were the main reason for my love of their music. for me it’s mostly been the vocal melodies/hooks and the groove in their instrumentals. plus, ever since i’ve found out about eidola, i think i’ve started to like them more, as andrew (who is a member of dgd now) is one of the best singers i’ve ever heard, their songs are more varied in styles and composition, and their lyrics have interesting concepts concerning spirituality and world religions.

[@bradrathbone9078]

And if you get the opportunity to see them live, its a dam blast too... such a good vibe for a band that plays what they do.

[@martellreed934]

I feel that the voices gave u 3 different energy “synergistically” coming together to make a dope,fun catchy tune! My fav band!

[@Swollen_Goat]

I used to not get DGD for many years. I didn't really care for much of them until they released We Own the Night and it was finally clicking for me. Ever since then I have loved every album they have done and they only get better IMO.

[@bradrathbone9078]

Instant gratification is for me, when it finally clicked. Took almost 10 years. I love their earlier stuff but this is for me when it became a staple for me.

[@Marthyboy88]

For me it was Acceptance Speech... wasn't my absolutely favorite, but I understood the appeal enough to keep coming back... now they're just on an entirely different level.

[@dancegregorydance6933]

My friends in high school got me into them. I remember them talking about their new album (it was Downtown Battle Mountain II)

[@cynicald380]

Can't keep on top of all these videos you are releasing mate. Nice one! 🤛😃

[@jasonlovesmusicreacting882]

I feel like he’s going to mention “riff salad” at least once in this video. Love the tune. Just wish Rob had a bigger feature. Btw I always get lost at music videos like this as well lol it’s because we’re so focused on the music! Can’t wait to see them with Memphis May Fire in May!

[@SilentReaper44]

You can hear him in Tillian's parts as well.

[@dan.r9220]

Only took 9:30 for it to happen

[@downforwardjab5503]

Weedly weedly!!

[@robertlitzinger2816]

I’m seeing them in may too at the ritz

[@jamespyle531]

May 4th in Cleveland here!

[@bigbodychaz]

Tilians rasp in his voice is distinctive af

[@ShayneMacGregor]

is it just me or does anyone else want a 3 song EP with Jonny, Kurt, and Tilian {Jon Mess too of course)... where they each have a song on the EP. Maybe even a 4 song EP where everyone features on one song together, and then each singer gets their own song, with Mess featured on all the songs.

[@sweetgregt]

The band releases a new album every 2 years, like clockwork

[@nickb4344]

That was my thoughts too. Gone? DGD never goes away. Their contract with Rise obligates them to release an album every 2 years. Not sure when that expires

[@DragonKnightX12]

I don't think Will Swan ever sleeps. He's always hustling and making new tunes.

[@jonsaxby7683]

It's nice when instead of "challenging their listeners" a band just does the thing, especially when it's done well, great video Finn

[@OneJame]

Hells yeah. I've had my SwanFest tickets for like 2 years now... can't wait!

[@nicobaughman76]

"this band is the biggest in the genre for so and so reason" this band literally created the genre what

[@saranoelle3927]

RIP Tim 😢

[@itsmillertime52]

The way you said weedly weedly's right off the bat made me laugh uncontrollably

[@andishawjfac]

Finn, DGD and Fallout references, it's like this was made for me.

[@VioletElite4]

Just like you described in your last video, even though you don't have the "weedly weedly gene" I do, so this band is amazing amazing to me, so thank you for covering music that even you aren't a fan of, it clearly shows that you care about your audience on here and I think that's great

[@tyaron6970]

Hearing you talk about music is like listening to my little sister try and explain how the rock and Dwayne Johnson are two different people

[@jackdotsontv]

I called the rat king number and it’s Jon Mess leaving a message saying, “Thanks for calling the rat king, please call back during business hours.”

[@CckRchRsh]

Every time Finn says "weedly weedly" I giggle like a school boy in sex ed class.

[@Battshimself]

How have I been missing Don Broco until now. Love the new Dance gavin dance and now love Don Broco.

[@RyanNJ]

Found Don Broco by the song “Everbody” and I’ve been hooked. That album Technology is a banger front to back.

[@younggabriel]

Love DGD!! Exited for the new project!

[@leon9785]

swancore never left ur clickbait is always in such bad faith

[@joshnowell6172]

Kurt is my favorite and doesn’t get enough appreciation he joined them and they just dumped him when Johnny got sober the first time around. I’m telling you throw on his solo stuff or happyness you won’t regret it :)

[@sickmike0739]

I love kurt! He's my absolute favorite and I love jonny craig. Tillian is great but alot of his era songs are very similar

[@mathewyerry2072]

Love these guys

[@Nematode_jones1]

Rip Tim

[@rosebuckland6326]

Dance gavin Dance are one my favourite bands, but I do get why people are not a fan. Don Broco, are also amazing. They are deffo not “low energy”, I’ve seen them live twice and they have been one of the rougher concerts I’ve been to, everyone loses their mind. Rob came out with a megaphone and he jumps around constantly. Si runs around the stage😂 would recommend seeing both of them live!

[@zachbeckwith459]

I died when you made the "jerk it" comparison at the beginning. I personally love DGD but understand its not for everyone. So as long as you admire the talent but don't necessarily care for the music I can totally support that haha

[@mr.onethirtyeight5088]

Just wanted to pop in and say thanks to both of Finn's channels as they're both places I get a lot of new bands to listen to like my current new favorite band "Turnstile"! Thanks for all the music covered in your vids.

[@mynameisfatmike6742]

I like the track - I actually like the improvements to the guitar tone. It's a subtle difference but the overdrive is a bit more wet, slightly more compressed - it's tight but those runs sound way more smooth than on the last few albums. This is the best guitar tone I think he's ever had

[@rubensanchez6585]

Its the kiesels will uses now 🔥

[@testingmyaudioaddiction3452]

3 of the members, Jon, Tillian, and Will, all have side projects that are incredible. Will and Jon have Secret Band and Tillian has his solo project.

[@dalirl3502]

will also has Royal Coda. Kurt Travis is singer and they also have the other lead on eidola (sergio)

[@moshikito4717]

The story line of the video is just Jon Mess having a good time doing whatever the fuck

[@GamiGreen]

I actually think Johnny has a more distinctive voice but Tillian sounds smoother which suits the tone of DGD

[@j-strings9824]

Thanks for making this i bitched about swancore like 2 weeks ago and now this is up thanks fin!

[@frankmenepace1766]

Yoooo, I am wearing a Gatecreeper shirt as I watch this, and yes I am exactly that beardy boi you mentioned who talks about IPA's and how good the new Converge album is hahaha NAILED IT my friend. How do you do this Finn? 🤣

[@HI-pi1er]

Afterburner was a amazing album

[@adamlawson5021]

A deathclaw got him there at the end.

[@youreaphagatron]

Don Broco has one newer song called "one true prince" that (to me) doesn't sound like any of their other songs and is fucking awesome.

[@leora2792]

Think you mean One True Prince

[@lexidarling]

I love that song, especially because it reminds me of classic Deftones vibes.

[@youreaphagatron]

@@leora2792 correct!

[@kylephipps1078]

I don't really listen to DGD because of the weedlys, but I would be lying if I said that I didn't appreciate them. I mostly listen for the groove that the instruments and the vocals create. The super riffy guitars definitely help lead that groove but the way that Tilian and Jon use their voices as instruments on top of it all almost creates a trance like state that I vibe with. Also, I'm very happy that Andrew (s)Wells is fulltime with the band now. I've loved Eidola since Degeneraterra and have always been drawn to Andrew's features on DGD's studio work. Now that he is (presumably) writing with the band, I'm expecting that there might be a shift in their guitar work to be a bit more varied than the typical DGD "riff salad."

[@bobbygood139]

I love Jon's vocals man sm

[@jaydubz7261986]

Still think out of their vocalists Kurt was their best in terms of actual vocals and lyrically

[@steviea6070]

Most of my favourite dgd songs are from the Kurt era.

[@nailbanger777]

Awesome video Finn!

[@bushleague3472]

I think the DGD aproach to getting proggy is to quasi-overplay almost the entire time, rather than having big over the top shredding break downs. The exact sound isnt anything I'd really want to do myself, but personally I find it an interesting approach, and I think it leaves more space for Tilian to fill than if they were to use fatter, chuggy/ chord based riffs. Personally I think the sound WOULD be more interesting if Will would leave more space for the bass to get funky though.... if you want to get funky you need to let your rhythm section take lead once in awhile.

[@deadnbacklolubad]

My guess is that this is stand alone single released to hype up all the upcoming tours. They've done this in the past with songs like "Summertime Gladness", "Head Hunter", and "Blood Wolf". I know they're not always your cup of tea, but I'm glad you really enjoy this song! I've been a longtime fan since high school (like around 2009) and I often feel lucky to have a band like this with so many memeber and style changes to still follow and enjoy to this day. They're a great entry level band for getting people into similiar music with songs like "We Own the Night". I saw them on their recent 2019 and 2021 tours and it was great!

[@billdover3165]

I laughed incredibly hard when you said pop was unique.

[@quantumxfluxmd6821]

I know u don't like weedily weedily, but DGD main ingredient is those funky, wild metal tapping leads. I absolutely love Wills leads. Right of the bat, that intro riff is Amazing, Almost sounds like some modern Hendrix lead

[@BNA_Est.1988]

The trick the drums is changing the volume of the room mics. Low volume = “quiet”. High = big and loud

[@_ericc.]

I thought this was a pretty good song. I liked it more than the last initial teaser from their last album. Always like when they give Jon Mess the initial vocals in a song.

[@inaudiblenoise9668]

Don Broco's new album has much lower energy, I do like some songs but I was disappointed because their previous album Technology is one of my all-time favourites, catchy songs with fat riffs and jam-packed with energy. I've seen them live a few times as well and they put on a brilliant show, saw them play in the pissing rain at Download and they were the best band I saw all weekend, in a lineup that included Rammstein and Black Sabbath.

[@ciarrakroslack2445]

They never left my guy 😎

[@aqualust5016]

Thumbs up for the weedly weedly

[@shooziewooziez8886]

Love the channel brother keep up the good work

[@plusmin09]

Andrew, the new singer of DGD and singer of Eidola, is straight out of here in Provo, Utah!

[@AspireAndInspire]

I think Rob's greatest contribution to this song is the layering he does with Tillian and Jon. I think the fact that Rob tends to sing in a lower register makes him end up sounding less energetic. He doesn't typically sound like he's really *pushing himself* when he sings. That being said, this song made me go check out Don Broco, and I absolutely love them. They're a name I saw in passing and ignored for years, but now... I get it. They are absolutely *fearless* in their approach to music. "Low Energy" is not how I would describe them most of the time lol Maybe a few songs, but not many.

[@lexidarling]

I tend to prefer Jonny Craig as a vocalist but I think the Tilian era has produced their best music overall. That said I dig this song; it does feel a bit like DGD by numbers but that's not a bad thing.

[@Zogun_85]

Can't wait for the Andrew Wells "feature"s now that he's a permanent member! I don't remember if you checked out any of the songs from Eidola's "The Architect" from last year? If not, you missed out man :) I think this song was solid, but it felt like a build-up for something greater.

[@MrCosvideo]

Finn lowkey friends with every producer in the genre

[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

It’s been my job for the past 9 years. Very grateful to know so many great producers!

[@chrisjr1247]

They are amazing at what they do. I’ve been listening since the Whatever I say is Royal Ocean ep and through all the eras they are at the top of there game. I’d be lying if I said I spin the weedly weedly as much as I did though but I dig the new single. It was definitely a special time from jc to kt to tp. In recent times it seems The jams do not hit me as hard or it doesn’t stay with me for long periods of time. I’m over here from a far like go DGD I see you proud of u weedlywoo.

[@woe_]

Just grabbed tickets for their tour, super excited!

[@tobins6800]

The video I believe was shot in Lancaster CA. The movie Legion took place there, an episode of NCIS, X-Files, also Foster the People video. IIRC its one Avenue E and out towards Edwards.

[@duqsdiecasthobby9943]

6:13 Jon has been doing this type of rap-scream even back then

[@edcasey52]

Ugh. Can you not pause every 3 seconds....killed the enjoyment of the song.

[@cliffordjeffrey8775]

Id appreciate if they did a happiness pt.2 or something cause the samey songs have started to wear on me, and happiness sounds fresh still after digesting their latest stuff.

[@IOxyrinchus]

Love the new single and am super excited for the new album. I’m gonna be seeing them live in September & I’m so hyped 🤩 such an addictive band

[@mathewyerry2072]

DGD mixing is always insanely good

[@kohiek]

Chris is God Tier at mixing!

[@Streetsofnostalgia]

That Converge joke, lol

[@jaxf.231]

Yo, wtf how you forget Kurt’s name and leave it in the video. I’m furious! 😂

[@mightymofoyoung]

Don Brocco has some of the best music videos.

[@omind1]

Glad you introduced me to these guys. Hmmmm... It's like my teenage grandkids version of me being into Yes in '75.

[@TheBlackfishTully]

Don Broco won me over live when I saw them at a DGD show. Knew nothing about them at the time. They were real fun live, they're kind of wacky. Not low energy in presence but I kinda get what he means vocally.

[@shunsuikyoraku5428]

Regardless of what he says, I'm glad to see Finn review more DGD lol

[@grantlevron]

Back?! Swancore never left!

[@lightvtproductions]

Please finn keep up with the mixing comments, I love that haha

[@nightmaremaccaw8057]

Lmao listen too the damn song stop pausing every god damn sec. I get adding commentary but for fuck sakes 😂

[@ZachBryant]

DGD was my favorite ten years ago. I saw Jc and Kurt live, both were amazing and sounded exactly like they did on the albums. My 2021 Spotify wrapped number one band was Don Broco vis a vis, this was magic for me! I miss DGD and Rob sounds so good. I disagree with ya Finn about Don Broco being low energy, their sound in the newest record is so aggressive and punching- they’re cheeky and silly, but they bring heat when It comes down to the music. A song like “Uber” is a great example. Also their duel vocals are great and Matthew really adds a lot to the overall voice of their tunes.

[@exchangAscribe]

does he have to pause it every 5 seconds?

[@AlekseiPerepelitsa]

so with don bronco, you MUST listen to the same song multiple times and let the song's internalize. Great band. DB got great music video's as well.

[@jonteddstuff]

I didn’t hear the first minute after your “it’s like watching someone else…jerk it” bc I was laughing too hard haha! I’ll never listen to this genre without that image again!

[@justincarter6286]

Love me some Dance Gavin Dance.

[@god1234j]

Don broco are insane live they have energy but with dgd its different

[@loompy1440]

This is one of those bands that I’ve known people who are obsessed with, but I don’t like them for some reason despite loving plenty of artists music in this genre. Maybe more so in the past than now, but yeah can’t explain it other than they’re not my cup of teaz. I’m happy that they’re still emo poppin and thriving regardless🖤

[@perchperkinshere4476]

If you think about it tho, when it comes to mixing, this song will sound way different when they make it into an instrumental. One of the main reasons why dgd is so consistent (besides chris krummet) is that they let every instrement and element shine throughout the album. When you said that most of their songs sound the same i couldnt disagree more. especailly from album to album. Maybe he said that cuz hes paid attention to the tillian era the most and i get his point if thats the case

[@meowsohard]

Jon goes off

[@Schellnino1994]

And to think, they thought of having Anthony Green in Tillian's position after JC left. Thank god that didn't happen. Now we get a great DGD AND more Circa Survive and Anthony Green back in Saosin!

[@dronniebrascowtf]

Dude how have u not put out a shoegaze vid. As a gen z, zoomer i can tell you shoegaze and slow core are poppppin off rn. Cigarettes after sex are definitely the biggest of the new style. Also slowdive and mbv are reaching new levels of popularity amongst my generation. As a matter of fact post punk is blowin up 2. People love molchat doma and eyedress. Joy division are becoming the new nirvana, everyone has an unknown pleasures shirt

[@two15AQhdc3s]

I fuckin love DGD the new track reminds me of Mothership 🔥🔥🔥

[@shunsuikyoraku5428]

Every single sounds similar but every song on an album definitely doesn't sound the same haha