What do you get when you combine the occasionally cacophonous, abrasive, and constantly shifting rhythmic stylings of The Dillinger Escape Plan with the mad scientist of vocal experimentation, Mike Patton? The correct answer would be an EP entitled “Irony Is A Dead Scene” that packs a short, but punishing punch. Patton screams, shrieks, growls and occasionally sounds like an auctioneer over The Dillinger Escape Plan’s polyrhythmic drum assault and complex guitar work. The EP features 3 original tracks and a cover of the Aphex Twins’ “Come To Daddy.”

With little room for error, The Dillinger Escape Plan & Mike Patton don’t let a second go to waste by immediately putting things into top gear with “Hollywood Squares.” The song alternates between jazzy drum solos and head nodding grooves while Patton matches the turbulent energy of the music to perfection. On “Pig Latin,” Patton displays the cleaner side of his vocal ability over a smooth guitar introduction, accented by wooden güiros and strings, that explodes into yet another audio rampage; the song shifts between industrial drums, some deep, bellowing vocals and what appears to be a woodwind melody that happens to be a perfect fit. My favorite track, “When Good Dogs Go Bad,” has Patton utilizing ‘auctioneer’ like vocals over frantic drums before unraveling into another awesome groove with a chanting refrain. After the chaos, we’re given a little time to breathe as the song is stripped down to little more than Patton’s dream like vocals; the true highlight comes midway through, where Ben Weinman’s rapid fire yet hypnotic riff is punctuated by Patton’s menacing vocals, eventually reaching the album’s climax in intensity, and possibly, decibel level. The final track, “Come To Daddy,” features less Patton and instead focuses on the undeniable musicianship of The Dillinger Escape Plan, as they replicate the rapid fire and mechanical drum attack of the original song.

Simply put, The Dillinger Escape Plan & Mike Patton are a match made in musical heaven. Dillinger’s brand of hardcore music that incorporates the occasional breathtaking breakdown or melodic guitar riff are the perfect match for Patton’s experimental singing style. Although The Dillinger Escape Plan have found a great lead singer in Greg Puciato, and Mike Patton remains one of the busiest men in music, one can only hope that the two join forces once more; it’s not everyday that we see a collaboration this fitting.

by Kyle