the dismemberment plan: change

The Plan's newest release, appropriately titled Change, is certainly different from their trademark sound of dissonant but bouncy beats, now more artistic than experimental. But Change doesn't eliminate the dissonance and spastic breaks of Emergency and I; instead, these sounds are now much more subtle.

The album has a subdued feel, and the tracks blend together to form a unified whole. This is apparent from the very first track, "Sentimental Man," where frontman Travis Morrison's soothing vocals float over comfortable percussion. The album then seamlessly moves into the stunning "Face of the Earth," which picks up more energy, introducing an infectious melody and finding its own special groove.

Many of the songs on Change have a mellow, laid-back appeal, from the acoustic guitar and emotionally charged vocal delivery of "Automatic" to the melodious "Superpowers." Lyrics also continue to be one of the Plan's strengths: "I guess you could call it superpowers," Morrison sings, "but no one is going to save the world with what I've got." One of the poppier tracks, "Pay for the Piano," is more reminiscent of their earlier sound. The aching "Time Bomb" shares painful declarations to an ex-lover. The whole album is more controlled. Has the Plan matured? 

Yes and no. All the songs on Change contains the complex song structures, textures, immense rhythms, and sharp lyrics that have garnered the Plan a fan base. "I can do it anywhere with anyone at anytime," Morrison passionately croons on "Following Through." "Don't you forget this is my life, and it's going to be good."

"You always know I love a surprise," Morrison reveals at the conclusion of the album's final track, "Ellen and Ben." And what a great surprise Change is. The Plan has created a album that embraces a sentimental vibe while managing to remain truly grooving. (DeSoto)

—Jules Lipoff

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