Saint Dymphna

iTunes Review

Whereas distant cousins Tussle and Yeasayer are all about rhythm, ambience, and ethnic textures, driven by percussion of all stripes, Gang Gang Dance take the same foundation and jack it up with more of everything. Their fourth full-length release in as many years, Saint Dymphna serves up more of the vibrant and inventive sounds their fans have come to love, but keeps a tighter focus on the mix resulting in a more polished, cohesive collection. The flowing, infectious “House Jam,” the bubbly, Eastern-inspired “First Communion,” and fast-moving, grime-y “Princes,” featuring London’s Tinchy Stryder, are real standouts, the latter a pastiche of synthetic whooshes, beats and thuds, clattering drums, and twinkling piano. GGD vocalist Liz Bougatsos’ waifish, ethereal wails are woven in the background, giving the track an especially eclectic and full-bodied feel. Instrumentals range from the experimental sound cut-up of “Inner Pace” to the languorously busy “Dust,” to the beautiful and seductive “Vacuum.” Throughout Saint Dymphna, the spirits of musical genres as diverse as Krautrock, dubstep, grime, acid house, reggaeton, hip-hop, and trip-hop permeate and integrate, creating a visceral blend of something that’s very good for the soul. Why can’t we all just get along?