La Dispute- Wildlife ALBUM REVIEW

"Can I still get into heaven if I kill myself?"
Was probably one of the most intense moments in music, I've ever heard.

"It's a track about a drive-by shooting and eventually ends with a stand-off with police that gets pretty... ppfffffikjnwsfv." Honestly the best description of King Park I've ever heard.

This is probably my favorite album, lyrically, that I've ever heard in the past ... ever.
I totally agree that the entire thing is like watching a film. Its so... so... so descriptive and gorgeous.

"King park". The only actual thing ever that has left me genuinely breathless. When he screams "can I still get into heaven" and the way his voice sounds and just wow.

Jordan Dreyers lyrics on this thing alone would warrant a 10/10 rating, and the music is perfect as well. Been listening to it regularly since it came out.

One thing that’s not mentioned here, I see this album as a kind of concept album. I know it’s not explicit but there’s two main themes running through it. The songs that start with ‘a’ are his own tragedy. Then there’s the tragedies of others, King Park, Edward Benz etc. These reach a crescendo in All our bruised bodies where he talks about all of those experiences together, including his own and compares his situation to the tragedies of the others. You and I in unison is like his Atonement.
I think this makes an already great album, groundbreaking.

ANOTHER SHOOTING ON THE SOUTHEAST SIDE

Ahh King Park 😭. That song has soo many feels and makes me cry every freaking time

"kind of like an emotional exorcism for me" Too true considering A Departure: "Not sure why I'm even writing this
But I guess it feels right
It sort of feels like I have to, like an exorcism"

king park holyyyyyy shit

The commentary Jordan did about this album brought me to tears. Truly a work of art.

It's definitely an album where you need to pay attention and listen the words, it doesn't work as background music for me. It's more like a theatrical audiobook or poem reciting

you look like a younger version of my therapist

@222Sucram i think they are a little corny at times, but the dude's sincerity convinces me enough to enjoy a grand majority of what he's saying.

Hearing Fantano talk such memes that have since deceased in 2018 makes me wanna cry

‘I see everything’ makes me cry on the last breakdown every. Single. Time.

I do really relate to La Dispute since they came from a city near me. I know the feelings that come from King Park, because it happens so often where I'm from. It is just such an emotional ride.

It's the first review that I saw about Wildlife and describes almost all my thoughts about Wildlife. The album is my favorite, even with the release of "Rooms of the House", I couldn't let Wildlife get out from the top of my favorite La Dispute's albums. Such a wonderful review and such words still can't describe my passion for this project.

I fell in love with La Dispute when i heard their song "Such Small Hands" ... when i heard the lyrics i simply didnt care how they were presented, i then began to love the vocals and they are now one of my favorite bands .... laying down and looking at the sky while listening to La Dispute is an amazing experience :D

Just discovered these guys. I don't think I've ever been this moved emotion by an entire album.

At the beginning I wanted to scream ARE YOU CRAZY but I composed myself and I agree with the review

This is the first video i've watched of yours and I subbed straight away. I've never seen someone review music so intensely. You sold this album to me, thank you.

La Dispute is every aspect of passion to me. The energy, beauty, and tenacity is literally overwhelming at times, and always in a good way. I love La Dispute.

They made it into the best of the decade. this feels somehow ancient

Congrats to this album for making Anthony’s Top 200 of the 2010s!

im like. obsessed with your reviews dude.

I have loved La Dispute ever since I first listened to their first album, and I love this album as well. They're amazing, and I couldn't agree more with what you said.

I would definitely give this record 10/10, but I would say I'm slightly biased considering they're one of my favorite bands. I really feel like what they did with Wildlife seemed pretty innovative (although, of course, I'm sure it's been done similarly before), and I feel like you don't fully understand that unless you listen to Wildlife's interview counterpart called Conversations. Conversations is basically Jordan Dreyer giving the story behind each and every song and how it fits into the narrator's story and why it's so significant. Listening to it really helped me find the love for Wildlife that I have now. This will forever be one of my favorite records of all time.

I love specific lyrics. And I love how well-produced this album is. Surprisingly good!

This review was spot on. So many people are turned off by Dreyer's vocals but that determines whether you are in or out with this band. I wasn't the biggest fan of Wildlife but after my friend told me to sit down with all the lyrics in front of me and just read along, this album became a top 10 for me. It's a movie, a book, a play, and a CD all at the same time. This band is just incredible.

@srolchi happy to hear you're loving it! :-)

Very glad you reviewed this one! LD is from my hometown and I've been following em since about 06-07 when they were playing to rooms of 20 kids or less so they're really special to me. Glad you're liking it, my dude.

I love anthonys early reviews

thanks for doing the reviews so often...it really helps find new cool bands :)

You NEED to review Being As An Ocean.
'Dear G-d' if you could, but definitely 'How We Both Wondrously Perish'

@DanielBowden1975 understandable. i didn't think it'd be mine at first either. not saying you should force yourself to like it, but there are very few bands doing this style that i enjoy.

Yes, anthony! Glad you brought everything that is right with this band to the point!

a Letter. Just fuck me up

Takes perserverence as the caustic nature of Jordan's vocal approach is initially offputting, but once it clicks, the scale of the narrative and "the stories as an undercurrent" just gets better and better with every listen. This album has worked it's way through hundreds to make it to my favourite rock album from a currently releasing artist. Jordan sets a new precedent for modern lyricists, and as one, it taught me to buck the fuck up and aim higher. Also the "a" songs as asides are incredible

I thought that this was their third album?
In order of release (Oldest to newest)
Vancouver, Somewhere At The Bottom Of The River Between Vega And Altair, Wildlife.

Oh, and your description of King Park is perfect. That song is so intense. Everything they do is intense, but that takes the biscuit.

I saw these guys in a basement show when they first started. best show of my life. They were so grateful to just be there playing music.

One of my newest favorite bands for sure. I See Everything on Wildlife makes me cry

this album has been controlling my moods for like a week. it is amazing. it made me cry last night

When you mention King Park I got chills. I'm really glad you did a 180 on this band. When I got into this album by the end of many songs I'd just find myself yelling "F*CK!! This band is so good!!!" in my car. He's a storyteller and he loves words. I love words too. You, also have good words. Thanks :)

Really good review. I agree with just about everything you said here, except you forgot to mention the song "All Our Bruised Bodies and the Whole Heart Shrinks". That song sort of stood out for me because its basically just him asking these questions like "have you ever suffered" or "Did they tell you how cruel the world can be" or something like that, and it feels like he's speaking to me. Anywhoo, great review keep them coming!

Please review The Things We Think We're Missing by Balance and Composure

Thank you so much for introducing this band to me Anthony! Just ordered the double LP off their web site. wow.... just wow...

In the realm of post-hardcore, you should review the album Being Without by a North Carolina band called Barrow. They're relatively unknown, but that album is pure awesomeness.

Good review! I really like this band, and this album is really good! It's one of my favorites so far this year.

My favorite track on this album has to be Safer in the Forest/ Love Song for Poor Michigan. Gosh, the images I get in my head from this song and the theme it's getting across is just soooo great. lkfjhlskdjhf. It's a good band.

Great to see you review this one.

Love the album and the review. totally agree

I saw La Dispute a week or so ago and they were awesome. I'd listened to ...Between Vega And Altair, like, A MILLION TIMES, and I'm just now listening to Wildlife and holy shit. I seriously can't believe this is only their second LP.

@WherethisAllStarted Yeah, I'm thinking about ordering this on vinyl myself.

Dude you showed me Knife Man AND this album in like one month. I love you.

So glad you liked this album. I don't listen to most post-hardcore from after mid-00s but this was really good.

Sooo glad you did this one. I agree wholeheartedly. Love this record.

As a Michigan resident, I guess I should check this out! Thanks for the heads up either way. As for what you review. Still gotta push for a review for "Highlighter" by People Under The Stairs. They left behind labels to put out a fully independent release. They've been putting out records since 98 and are my favorite hip-hop act. Hope you at least check it out even if no review is done.

LOVE IT. i liked early stuff too, and im a girl who loves all rock genres from all decades. these tracks shake the core of emotions.

Thank you for that review! Been a fan of the band from the start, but Wildlife overwhelmed me! This is one of most intense and emotional Albums i've ever heard. Definitely a candidate for "AOTY"

This is personally one of my favorite albums. An ex of mine got me into the band recently and upon first listen, I wasn't much of a fan. They weren't something I'm used to hearing. After listening to their songs a few more times, I can sit down and listen to this album front start to finish everyday. It's an amazing album.

anthony what are your opinions on La Dispute's first album now? it's always been my favorite album, and even though i agree with your criticisms of them, i still think it's just the best!

man, I'm so happy you did this! told you it'd be worth it!

I'm listening to them right now based on your review. Sometimes it reminds me of a Saetia or Hot Cross type Vocal. When Billy used to do a shout more than a scream. I actually dig this. Might have to pick it up. THanks!

Really good album. La dispute and Neutral Milk Hotel are the only two bands I got actually obsessive over.

I've been pretty much going back and forth between this album and Death Grips' Ex-military. Love your reviews.

LA DISPUTE FOREVER. And they were absolutely amazing in concert, so much energy and passion in their performance... it was really beautiful to be honest. And I met Jordan, he was so nice. Ugh. La Dispute. Yes.

the production and mixing is beautiful

Great Review.
Absolkutely amazing album.

Great review!

This album also made me do a double take on the band. Saw em open for Hot Water Music and Menzingers in NC. Thought they were a great show!
Do a review on Leftover Crack's 'Construct of the State'.
Great work, kiddo---keep it up!

I dig it. I found the music and vocals really drawing me in. Some random person talked about going to a La Dispute show and I like finding new things so I looked them up and saw Wildlife recommended. Really drew me in immediately. Kind of reminds me of The Microphones and WHY? Similar but different. Either way, I like it.

@Zippingfrog from what i understand, somewhere at the bottom was the bands first official full-length. i know they've released eps before this, but is that what you're referring to?

@hoffhan then i've been mislead. do they have some demo or non-label album i don't know about? from what i understand, somewhere at the bottom was the band's first album. not true? are you counting some of their previous eps as albums or something? information?

Holy crap. Vancouver is a EP. Thank you Fantano for getting the fact correct. :) It's apprecated by those who know what they're talking about
On a side note, I'd just like to say this was my number 1 album last year, and I'd probably have to place it in the top 5 best albums ever recorded thus far. This right here is why music is called art. It is the one of the most rewarding pieces of media I've ever seen or heard.

Dude..this album is amazing! I've only just discovered these guys. At first I was kind of like "what the fuck is this?". However I kept listening and these dudes have totally grown on me. I've been telling everyone who appreciates different music. I need to see these guys live!

Rites of Spring in the background, badass!

love you for this.

I don't think this album was their best work lyrically, however, musically definately a ten for me. The sound just reels me in everytime I hear it and I cannot stop....you should review Circle Takes the Square-As the Roots Undo

Im glad you ended your description with King Park so people could enjoy they emotional shock it creates with the lyrics

How can you dislike Somewhere From The Bottom Of The River and love Wildfire so much? Bury Your Flame is probably the best song they ever wrote.

Thrice - Major Minor. La dispute are touring with them now, keeping with the post-hardcore (Although you can't really Major/Minor that).

@MrSplatterPlatter yes, the mewithoutyou comparison is a valid one. a great band, too!

This one of my favorite albums. Front to back its flawless production and captivating storytelling at its finest. Listening to this thing in its entirety renders a much greater experience than just pressing play on it's big tracks.

I love all their shit and i love this review

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BITTER FRUIT is my favorite track lol. After 21 listens I still think it the best.

The "cliched" post-hardcore he describes sounds exactly like Dance Gavin Dance

really good review man

I was there on the stream where you listened to them and yeah I wasn't surpised you disliked it. I really enjoy them though but I was scared to listen to this. This genre is one I usually hate, the vocals just kill it for me every time, but La Dispute was a rare exception and I love their first album. It had a raw energy that was so invigorating and fresh. Usually this kind of music comes off as whiny and annoying but that album felt genuinely emotional. Glad to see you liked this though.

you should review Defeater's Empty Days & Sleepless Nights (but if you've never listened to Defeater before, then start with their first album Travels because both albums are a story)

This album is awesome. Still one of my favourites, I often return to it.

This is EXACTLY how I felt about La Dispute when I first heard them, But, my bestfriend is obsessed and she really got me into it, now!

@Zippingfrog Vancouver was the very first thing the band did, after that they did a bunch of EP's, and stuff of that nature. Then they released their freshman album "Somewhere at the Bottom of a River Between Vega and Altair." After than came the third "Here, Hear" EP and the splits with Koji and Touche Amore. And now finally we have Wildlife.

La Dispute is really the only important "post hardcore" band currently making music. Glad to know you liked the album, Anthony :)
Hope you're well, bud.

you are the best reviewer ever!

Rites of Spring! That album is so amazing.

I completly agree. Once you get into the vocals, then you get into the lyrics and then you realise how awsome the vocals really are and how amazingly his style fits in the band.

I say it should be a nine, its seriously amazing, the lyrics are not like anything else, and the musical dynamics are just mind blowing, the sincereness of some lines just you can feel the passion, but there are some not so great tracks that wiegh it down as a whole

Listened to the sample in the d'box.
It was powerful. I want to check out the rest of this album.