Thriving on exploration and gnawing on the energy of decades past, DINNERSWORTH stakes his claim in the pop-punk canon with ‘Buried’
Blake Deneweth, AKA DINNERSWORTH has been relentlessly embarking on his musical journey since 2016, when a move to the Twin Cities in Minnesota sparked a new chapter.
A clear ode to the limitless energy of pop-punk, DINNERSWORTH’s full length album ‘Buried’ rushes to beat itself in a race it created. Deneweth nails the vocal personality needed to execute such a brash delivery, bringing equal parts humour and heartache to the table.
Intertwining influences from Say Anything to Blink-182, DINNERSWORTH aligns himself comfortably with those he seeks to emulate.
‘Buried’ is raw, and full of depth and charm despite its at times insistent pace. Bringing a wealth of delicious pop-punk clichés and formulas to the forefront, DINNERSWORTH invites listeners to delve through a slew of dynamic shifts.
‘Buried’ keeps things constantly interesting while mining the genre for its familiarity. Aiming to create something visceral, ‘Buried’ tracks the dissolution of a relationship from one party’s perspective.
Lead track ‘I told You So’ is a meaningful start, paving the way for the demise of a relationship.
‘Afraid Of Losing You’ delves into the apprehension of losing someone, residing in the delicate realm of universal themes.
DINNERSWORTH unabashedly bares his emotions, creating a simultaneously cathartic and resilient experience within the roots of pop punk.
Nestled in the comforting embrace of the music he cherishes, he skillfully employs it as a means of perfect self-expression.
‘Apart’ is a strong contender for a highlight, the first verse is a representation of desperation and denial, aided by the off-kilter guitar riffs and vaguely unhinged vocal delivery.
Verse two aims to depict a panic attack in all its gory force, the result of being so abruptly left to deal.
With such a well-endowed jumping off point, DINNERSWORTH grazes the sky and plummets back down with even more energy than he started with, all within two minutes.
‘Break Up’ is a drop of perfection. He track kicks off with a rhythmic series of claps, exuding an indie vibe that is utterly charming. Casio goodness holds the track together, forming a lilting pop punk melody that lands.
The lively pop punk riff encapsulates the core of ‘Like Clockwise,’ a song that captures the relentless passage of time, interwoven with the emotions of a breakup. It prompts introspection, inviting a flood of thoughts and self-analysis on all fronts.
‘Go Getter’ is a pop punk anthem that speaks volumes about overcoming breakups. Whether shouted out loud or played in your head, it’s all about facing challenges after a breakup with strength and self-reflection.
‘This Year Left Me Ruined’ succinctly captures its essence in the title, radiating a refreshing level of acceptance and self-awareness.
With a synth taking the lead, ‘Lovers Grave’ embodies the wandering thoughts that seize control during the night. Stripping the thought process to its simple, unavoidable truth, it confronts the universal fear that none of us desire to face the prospect of dying alone. The mind, it seems, is entangled with fear
‘Lonely’ stands out as a lyrical gem, turning its gaze towards inanimate objects that have stood resilient through thick and thin, unlike people who evoke a sense of loneliness. DINNERSWORTH adeptly articulates thoughts and emotions that resonate with the universal human experience.
‘Kill Me’ questions to the depth, “will you ever love me?”
Akin to pop punk heartbreak songs like “Adam’s Song” by Blink-182, and “The Anthem” by Good Charlotte. ‘Kill Me’ blends energetic instrumentals with poignant lyrics, capturing the emotional turbulence of romantic ups and downs.
The album wraps up with ‘Better,’ its jangly electric tones providing a poignant conclusion. It pays homage to the realization that, despite the passage of time, change doesn’t always accompany us, and lessons aren’t always learned. Adding a contemplative note to the album’s conclusion.
Deneweth’s love of the art and the genre itself shines through every moment of Buried’. Rather than being a carbon copy of the greats, he instead uses them as a means to propel himself.
‘Buried’ is inviting and charming, as well as bare to the bone. It’s this ability to weaponise his vulnerability that signals longevity, something rare in today’s era of over saturation.
With a strong collection of releases already under his belt, DINNERSWORTH makes it clear with ‘Buried’ that he is an artist that knows what he’s doing and who he is. And more excitingly, who he could become.
