Do you dance to the algorithm? Gustaffson are asking profound questions amongst upbeat retro-funk and a cinematic music video with their latest single
Single Review: Dance to the Algorithm by Gustaffson
For people who like…funk, soul, retro.
Up and coming singer-songwriter Andrew Gower and his band Gustaffson are asking profound questions in their latest retro-funk treat Dance to the Algorithm – produced by Elbow’s Craig Potter, and with a cinematic music video directed Black Mirror and Outlander actor Andrew himself.
Gustaffson yet again prove themselves as a funk outfit that are experts at instilling profound, culturally relevant questions amongst upbeat happy-go-lucky soundtracks and entertaining videography.
“The best artists of years gone by have all proven you can write about profound and important worldly subjects yet still entertain your audience.” – Andrew Gower
I couldn’t agree more with Andrew’s above statement, in fact I think the best art explores important issues and asks profound questions through entertaining, accessible, and digestible offerings. And that’s exactly what Gustaffson have done in their latest single Dance to the Algorithm.
The accompanying video starts with an astronaut in a space suit inserting an old tape into a cassette player and pressing play. Knowing the context of the song this is excellent symbolism for what’s to come.
A groovy, lively, upbeat chorus arrives with the title of the single appearing on the screen like it’s the latest Hollywood box-office hit – this level of production perhaps not surprising considering Andrew himself has been a cast member on such prolific shows as Black Mirror and Outlander.
The single begins right in the thick of it, teasing the full-bodied funky chorus straight from the start – from the get go you’re ambushed by vocal harmonies, wooing backing singers, pianos, brass, break beats, guitar plucking, and funky bass…they really don’t leave much out of the chorus of Dance to the Algorithm.
The first verse then brings Andrew’s soulful vocals, singing of chatrooms, online statuses, and most interestingly the crime of intimacy – it’s at this point I realise this is much more than just a simple upbeat funk anthem.
Then, the first verse ends with a rather profound metaphor that perfectly sums up our digitally entrenched era of algorithmic charts and machine learning melodies…
They’re changing the rules to face-to-face
Now the gatekeepers have changed all the locks to the safe
The following verses and choruses bring much of the same, all while making it quite hard to keep your shoulders and hips still, or contain your wonder of what the hell we are doing in our digital dystopia. The song ends with a climatic breakdown and final chorus that showcases the full breadth of Andrew’s vocal talent.
Musically, this is a superb single, it’s full-flavoured retro-funk with all the trimmings, something every music lover with an ear for soulful grooves can enjoy. Yet, along with this it highlights some of the most profound issues of our times, while asking the most important question of them all…
Are you dancing to the music, or dancing to the algorithm?
You can catch Gustaffson live in Manchester and London on the dates below:
- Fri 21 Nov – Low Four Studio, Manchester (Q&A with Chris Hawkins & Elbow’s Craig Potter)
- Thu 27 Nov – Courtyard Theatre, London
