Dance Gavin Dance is an American post-hardcore band that formed in Sacramento, California, back in 2005. Over nearly two decades, they’ve built a devoted following thanks to their unique blend of post-hardcore, math rock, experimental, and progressive sounds. Despite lineup changes over the years, founding members Will Swan (lead guitar) and Matt Mingus (drums) have been the steady heartbeat of the band’s evolving style.

They kicked off their career with the EP Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean in 2005, quickly followed by their first full album, Downtown Battle Mountain, in 2007. From there, their sound grew richer and more dynamic with albums like Happiness (2009), Downtown Battle Mountain II (2011), and Acceptance Speech (2013). Their later works, including Artificial Selection (2018) and Afterburner (2020), showcased their ability to push boundaries, with Afterburner even hitting number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2022, they released their tenth album, Jackpot Juicer, during a challenging time marked by the passing of longtime bassist Tim Feerick. Guitarist Will Swan stepped in to cover bass for the album, while Sergio Medina joined as a touring bassist. The band also navigated the temporary hiatus and eventual permanent departure of lead vocalist Tilian Pearson by 2024.

Looking ahead, Dance Gavin Dance continues to evolve, with their upcoming eleventh studio album Pantheon (due September 2025) introducing Andrew Wells as the new lead clean vocalist. True to form, the band remains a creative force in the post-hardcore scene, constantly reinventing their sound and connecting deeply with fans.