Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on 2026-10-15
Those with triskaidekaphobia might worry when they see the number 13, but fans of Dizgo will be overjoyed to discover that the band has recorded 13 shiny new songs for its upcoming release, Interstate. Andrew Pickel (guitar/vocals), Kevin Hinnefeld (bass/keys/vocals), Jake Evatt (keys/vocals), and Justin Clark (drums) sound well-rested and ready to rock on every tune, so let's unpack them.
The band from Bloomington starts us off right with “Intuition,” a funky, trippy opener that hits all the right notes. Tight bass and drums establish a solid foundation across which Andrew's guitar and Jake's keys dance effortlessly. The band's harmonic sense is exceptional, making every chord feel bright and explosive. This is a great start, so let's dig deeper.
What lies beyond “Exit 59”? Dizgo is about to tell us. The tune begins with a cascade of notes from Jake's keyboard rolling down an electric boulevard of funkiness, punctuated by the bass and drums. The music slides and glides as the lyrics speak of supersonic and lightspeed travel. You can almost hear the colors mingling with the music. Who's ready for a road trip?
Pushing onward, “It's Alive” is a spooky tale perfectly suited for an October release. Elements of classic horror films permeate the lyrics, while the synthesizer and guitar steer the song toward a sci-fi atmosphere. Justin and Kevin are pure madness here, sending the beat straight into your rib cage. Hang on to the edge of your seat for this one.
“Never On Time” might seem like the title of a song about relationships, but this one goes much deeper. The lyrics offer social commentary while alluding to the virtues of doing things your own way. As always, the instrumental grooves are tight and direct. Listen for Kevin's groovy, introspective bass lines. What a concept.
Keeping with the cosmic theme, “Orbital” takes us out to the stars. We launch into the unknown on a synth-driven odyssey filled with danceable rhythms as the band explores the universe through sound. Listen for the tiny details placed just right to tickle your psyche. These sonic cosmonauts float into the void, shredding riffs while shedding their earthly bonds.
True to its title, “Fundamentals” gets down to business immediately. The track carries a hard-driving rock feel with an undercurrent of funk that propels it forward. The same instrumental precision found throughout the album runs through this song as well, but there is a more explosive and open energy here.
“Undertow” begins a subtle nautical trend that pulls us away from shore in a playful yet thoughtful manner. Laid-back in presentation, the lyrics demand careful attention. The emotions conveyed are directly tied to the words, reflecting how our own feelings can often seem as if they're pulling us under. The song is far too layered for a simple explanation; it needs to be experienced.
Funky guitar and drums lead into a piano line that's simply too cool as it dances beneath the waves on “Submarine.” Stylish and vivacious, this tune harkens back to jazz roots and practically begs for improvisation. This is likely to become a fan favorite during live performances.
Get ready for more bluesy jazz on “Curio.” The band stretches the groove, allowing its eccentric vibe to flow freely until the break, when the tempo increases and melodic lines begin bouncing off the walls. This curio definitely grabs your attention and gets your mental pulse racing.
Cool sounds permeate “Singularity” right from the beginning. Trippy textures and provocative lyrics give the tune a spaced-out vibe that undulates like a pulsing quasar. Keep your ear on the drummer; emotional dynamics are on full display. Justin demonstrates remarkable mastery behind the kit, delivering nuance often associated with the more melodic instruments.
The band seems to have mined “Tourmaline” directly from the Funkisphere. Tougher than the gemstone itself, the song stands out with a gritty chorus and punchy lyrics. The vocals emerge with three-dimensional depth while the guitar soars above a gospel-inspired organ. The bass and drums are so perfectly synchronized that you feel them more than hear them.
“Déjà Vu” is silky and seductive in a way that feels strangely familiar. Mellow and subdued, the music seems to emanate from somewhere deep within the subconscious. Like walking down a street you've never visited yet somehow recognize, or meeting a person who feels familiar before you've ever spoken, the song creates the same uncanny effect.
One more tune remains, and it ties a neat bow around the entire release. “Grand Ol' Time” sounds exactly like its title suggests: a celebration and summation all at once. The tune contains a little bit of every song that came before it. We hear the guitar, organ, bass, and drums each operating at their peak. It's a slight return to everything that makes Dizgo such a sure-fire live act, distilled into a single track that serves as both an ending and a beginning. Play this for the uninitiated and say, “Let's get tickets.” You already know the answer will be yes.
The band is out on the road, and many of these tunes are sure to find their way into live sets alongside fan favorites. Get out to a show, and while you're waiting, pick up Interstate.
