Danse Macabre [LP], The Faint, Vinyl

Do you remember a time before the words “dance” and “rock” were linked by a hyphen and the synthesized sounds of the ’80s were a regular part of the modern musical landscape? The members of The Faint do, because they were there when it started to happen. In fact, you could even say they’re one of the main reasons it happened at all. The Faint's third full-length is filled with lyrics of death, betrayal, parlyzations, and murder. The 'macabre' subject matter is easily forgotten as Todd and Jacob's keyboards overdrive the vocals with hooky, synth lines, in addition to the ferocious drum machines, spastic outbursts of noise, and edgy tension that will have you shaking out to the dance floor. And if you have an opportunity to see them live, don't miss out. "With the band tossing about wildly amongst an array of bright, ashing lights and smoke machines, while nearly encircled by equipment, their live show is a must see." Or as Spin.com put it, "If you have never seen the Faint live, well, you're lame."