Exploring the Depths of La Dispute’s Latest Album: No One Was Driving the Car
Analog Foundations and Natural Surroundings
In a refreshingly analog approach, La Dispute’s latest album, No One Was Driving the Car, marks a departure from the electronic interludes found in their previous works, including Panorama and the Here, Hear EP. This album is a collaborative effort from the band members—Jordan Dreyer, Brad Vander Lugt, Chad Morgan-Sterenberg, Corey Stroffolino, and Adam Vass—who self-produced the record in the serene setting of New South Wales, Australia. Surrounded by a national forest, the band incorporates field recordings of their lush environment, adding a unique layer to the album’s sound.
Musical Composition and Themes
Beyond thematic explorations, the composition of No One Was Driving the Car stands out as an ambitious leap for La Dispute. The opening track, “I Shaved My Head,” introduces discordant riffs and a foreboding bluesy bassline, hinting at darker narratives to come. In contrast, tracks like “Self-Portrait Backwards” and “Saturation Diver” feature gentle strumming that highlights the desperation in Dreyer’s poignant lyrics, with fingerpicked melodies acting as a counterpoint to his raw vocal delivery. The album weaves influences from early Black Sabbath, Slint, and Orchid, continuing La Dispute’s legacy of articulating alienation amid modern despair.
Religious Allegories and Moral Code
The band’s Christian Reformed Church upbringing serves as a backdrop for their lyrical content, infusing the album with moral and spiritual allegories. In “Autofiction Detail,” a woman is “narcanned back to life” on Easter Sunday, while “Man With Hands And Ankles Bound” depicts an “archangel” ominously watching over a victim. The track “Landlord Calls the Sheriff In” critiques the pressures of a woman ensnared in a pyramid scheme, where the Protestant ethos of “try a little harder now” looms large when her sales falter. Dreyer’s biting lyrics remind listeners that the powerful often evade consequences, as he asserts, “No yachts will drift off when the rapture comes,” underscoring the album’s recurring theme of prophetic resurrection amid societal chaos.
Reflections on Modern Disillusionment
In 2019, Google’s Waymo announced an ambitious plan to establish the world’s first factory dedicated entirely to the mass production of autonomous vehicles in Michigan. This initiative promised to revitalize the state’s economy by creating hundreds of jobs. However, by early 2025, the factory had quietly ceased operations, employing a mere 60 individuals at its peak. La Dispute captures the essence of such disillusionment, resonating with those who have witnessed the fallout of broken promises and societal failures, leaving them stuck in a metaphorical traffic jam, surrounded by the ghosts of unfulfilled hopes.
Conclusion
No One Was Driving the Car represents a bold and introspective chapter for La Dispute. By eschewing electronic elements in favor of organic sounds and rich storytelling, the band crafts an album that is both timely and timeless. Through its exploration of modern existential themes and the critique of contemporary society, La Dispute invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the complexities of the world around them.
FAQs
What is the main theme of No One Was Driving the Car?
The album explores themes of disillusionment, alienation, and societal critique, often framed through religious allegories and personal narratives.
Who produced the album?
La Dispute produced the album themselves, emphasizing their creative control and vision for the project.
Where was the album recorded?
The album was recorded in New South Wales, Australia, in a setting surrounded by a national forest, which contributed to its unique sound.
What musical influences are present in the album?
Influences from early Black Sabbath, Slint, and Orchid can be heard throughout the album, enriching its sound and emotional depth.
How does the album reflect contemporary issues?
La Dispute addresses modern disillusionment and critiques systemic failures, resonating with listeners who relate to the struggles portrayed in the lyrics.
