Irony Is A Dead Scene is an EP which was recorded in 2002 while
Dillinger Escape Plan were in between long-term vocalists. Dimitri Minakakis had just left the band, and the band decided to record with
Mike Patton (
Faith No More,
Mr. Bungle) on vocals. The result is an often overlooked gem in the band’s catalog.
Mike Patton’s influence on this album is clear from the beginning. Every song on
Irony is a Dead Scene is more bizarre than the last. Dillinger Escape Plan’s usual chaotic aggressiveness is still present, but elements of the avant-garde and electronic music make an appearance and are used to great effect. Patton’s vocals and energy fit DEP’s style so well that it seems weird to think that this is his first and only appearance with them.
Hollywood Squares kicks the album off with Dillinger’s classic combination of grinding dissonance and heavy riffs. Chris Pennie’s drumming is amazing on this track.
Pig Latin sounds like a song that I would expect a band like Sleepytime Gorilla Museum to make if they were just a little bit heavier. It jumps from style to style effortlessly, yet it remains listenable the entire time. Patton’s vocals really shine on this track, especially at the “Freedom” section (1:50).
When Good Dogs Do Bad Things is another track which contains a lot of the same elements as Hollywood Squares. The album’s final track
Come to Daddy is an excellent cover of a song originally written by
Aphex Twin.
Irony is a Dead Scene is definitely an excellent effort by Dillinger Escape Plan, and any fan of their music who hasn’t heard it should definitely check it out.
Tracklist:
Hollywood Squares (4:07)
Pig Latin (3:32)
When Good Dogs Do Bad Things (6:01)
Come To Daddy (4:21)
Album Art:
