Pantheon

On their 11th studio set, post-hardcore stalwarts Dance Gavin Dance look to the future after a period of turmoil. Just before the release of 2022s Jackpot Juicer, bassist Tim Feerick died of a fentanyl overdose, and within two years, they had also parted ways with co-vocalist Tilian Pearson. Pantheon is their first album without Feerick or Pearson and pulls the double duty of honoring their late bandmate and moving on from a sticky situation with their former singer. Rhythm guitarist Andrew Wells steps into the clean vocalist role alongside screamer Jon Mess for an album that leans into themes of rebirth and grief, taking a couple chances in the process. For the most part, their mix of math rock intricacy and melodic post-hardcore energy remains in effect on cuts like "Midnight at McGuffys" and "Descend into Chaos," though they break form on the surprising "Space Cow Initiation Ritual," a funky track featuring Funkadelic legend George Clinton. ~ Timothy Monger