DC-based trio, Dot Dash, is back again with their impressive eighth album. Recorded in 2022, the innovative members of this band (Terry Banks- guitar/vocals, Hunter Bennet-bass, and Danny Ingram- drums) deserve a bit of time in the spotlight. Nostalgically (and appropriately) titled 16 Again, this piece of work is a must-have for fans of this trio, who have been releasing tunes since 2011.
“Forever Far Out”, the introductory track, bursts with energy and starts the mood out right for this album. Lyrically simple with a catchy beat, it’ll have you hooked and wanting to know what comes next in this stream. The upbeat tempo and driving rhythm establish an exhilarating momentum that carries throughout the record. It’s a perfect gateway into Dot Dash’s sound, leaving listeners excited to explore the rest of the album.
The lyrics of this next song, “Unfair Weather”, continues the reflective tone, offering listeners thoughtful commentary paired with wit and sharp self-awareness. The mix of humor and everyday language serves as a lens for deeper themes, like consumerism, identity, and cultural dissonance. This sense of “playing the game” captures the balance between conforming to external pressures and subtly rebelling against them. By weaving in familiar experiences and colloquial expressions, the song manages to explore personal struggles and a broader social commentary.
The song, “Gray Blue Green”, captures a reflective, introspective mood, with content that delves deep into emotional complexity. One of the standout elements is the use of color imagery, particularly the titular phrase “gray blue green,” which evokes a hazy, undefined emotional space. These colors are often associated with calm and melancholy with hints of renewal or growth. Together, they suggest a state that’s neither fully one thing nor the other, but instead, a mix of feelings that are harder to categorize. This middle ground, expressed through the colors, feels like a place of uncertainty, but also possibility.
I particularly liked the beats and the message of “TV/Radio”. It was a really fun song where the lyrics create a vivid, surreal tableau of characters and situations, blending cultural references, irony, and a sense of personal disillusionment. It could be interpreted as a reflection on modern disillusionment, blending personal experience with broader social commentary in a way that feels both cynical and playful.
Lastly, let’s talk about “Flowers”, because it’s by far my favorite. The vocals and overall tone are incredibly reminiscent of Rancid, delivering a raw energy that’s both nostalgic and impressive. The upbeat tones and rhythm are infectious, capturing that punk-inspired spirit, while still feeling fresh and true to Dot Dash’s signature style. What really stands out, though, is how the band pairs this energetic sound with simple yet deeply resonant content.
Overall, I give this nostalgia-filled album a high score on my list of must-streams! Each track flows seamlessly into the next, creating an experience that listeners will remember long after the last note fades. The band’s intention of bringing back the classic feel of punk truly shines through, balancing raw energy with thoughtful lyricism. Dot Dash has managed to craft a modern punk album that honors the genre’s roots while keeping it fresh and relevant.
Heather is a Berklee College student with a deep passion for helping musicians. You can find her surrounded by schoolwork, or working on one of her many internships trying to break into the Rock scene. She also loves cats, weed, and any small venue performance.