Dinosaur Pile-Up ‘Eleven Eleven’

Words by Russell Carstens

On Eleven Eleven, the new album by Dinosaur Pile-Up, the band showcases an alternative, post-grunge style with some slightly metal overtones.

The drop-in/drop-out riffing and tempos of “Red and Purple,” create a punk-ish bed for singer/guitarist Matt Bigland’s vocals. His approach can be likened to Dave Grohl’s more aggressive vocal style in the post-There Is Nothing Left To Lose version of the Foo Fighters. When he sings, “God bless the weirdos,” Bigland is declaring that, like many rock musicians, he is a proud outcast.

On “Grim Valentine,” Bigland is happy to confess, “I just wanna die/Every time you come by/Please be my grim valentine.” The winding, Down-esque riff of “Anxiety Trip,” turns on itself like a musical corkscrew, while “Nothing Personal,” has a hook that finds respect in its simplicity and natural performance.

Although Dinosaur Pile-Up doesn’t reinvent the wheel on Eleven Eleven, their influences are clear and they have a sincere desire to imitate them. As they grow into their own sound, simply letting the music of their heroes carry their songwriting (and in-studio performance) will help them reach their potential.