Dot Hacker’s debut album, Inhibition, escalates and decreases skillfully in its energy, lyrics, and use of instruments over its 52 minute span. The album features established musicians John Klinghoff Dot Hacker’s debut album, Inhibition, escalates and decreases skillfully in its energy, lyrics, and use of instruments over its 52 minute span. The album features established musicians John Klinghoffer, Jonathan Hischke, Eric Gardner, and Clint Walsh. Their collective influences can be heard in the diversity of sound between each song as one builds upon or digresses from the one before it. The contrasting sounds work off of one another to create a rollercoaster of high intensity, sultry vocals, smooth melodies, electric lyrics, randomness, and everything in between. Overall the instrumentals of Inhibition alone could be described with the name of the first song on the album, “Order/Disorder,” but the visceral lyrics create a gloomier and more tribal finished product.

“Order/Disorder,” leads off the album with mismatched lyrics, crashing symbols, and steady guitar riffs. Layered drums, riffs, synths and vocals push the concept of order/disorder as the song builds before it dissolves into the drearily upbeat “Idleidolidyl.” The third track “Eye Opener” stands out for John Klinghoffer’s passionate and dreamy vocals over a slow melodic instrumental. Its flowing soundscape and lyrics make it one of the smoother songs of them all. That same mood carries over to the slow-building but explosive percussion featured in “Discotheque.” Other standouts on the album are “The Wit Of The Staircase” and the closer “Puncture.” The first takes things to another level with dynamic synths, piano, and singing that produces a triumphant feeling during the song. The latter builds a lot slower, but delivers equally with its own a wave of joy and gratification, ending the album on a high note.

Dot Hacker’s album Inhibition can be streamed here.

 For more info on the band visit their website here.