Dan Andriano In The Emergency Room – Party Adjacent

“Sit me down, tell me a story, there’s so much that I’d like to learn, I’ll stay still, open up my ears to you, I won’t speak over your words.  Teach me how, to make more promises that I know I’ll always keep.”  You might be surprised that these are the tender opening words of Dan Andriano In The Emergency Room’s sophomore full length, Party Adjacent.  The long-time Alkaline Trio co-vocalist explains the project as a ground for songs that just wouldn’t fit the relatively narrow focus of his full time band.  Whereas bandmate Matt Skiba’s solo output feels more like synth-driven Alkaline Trio b-sides, Party Adjacent represents a more divergent path.

Dan Andriano In The Emergency Room reveals a different side of an artist that we already know and love.  Being produced by Jeff Rosenstock and backed by Kevin Higuchi (of Rosenstock’s band) on bass and keyboards along with Hard Girls guitarist Mike Huguenor filter Party Adjacent through a really rock-centred lens without losing Andriano’s well-established lure.   Those familiar with the stylings of Dave Hause  should feel right at home.ldAfter adjusting to the shock of opener “White Teeth” (which sounds like it could be from a child’s story book), The Emergency Room settles into the casual call of soft rock guitar notes and rolling bass.  Andriano’s unmistakable vocals feel far more relaxed in their delivery as they fall in line with a steady melodic groove that drops hints of Elvis Costello.  Tracks like “Eye Contact” further the connection with a chorus that is every bit as catchy as anything Alkaline Trio is known for, but with warmer overtones.  As “Haunt Your House” shows off, there are definite garage elements in the background, affording Andriano the chance to get his hands dirty.

Party Adjacent maintains a steady, even-keel type of vibe from early on – the type that speaks to Andriano’s underlying versatility within his little corner of the world.  The album definitely takes place within his comfort zone, it’s just that few of us knew just how far flung Andriano’s comfort zone spans. For instance, Dan expands on his prior acoustic persona in “Don’t Have A Thing” in which he swaps an electric guitar in the place you’d typically expect to find an  acoustic one (check out “Plain Old Whiskey” for a pure acoustic lament).  Later, “Lowrider” finds him employing lofty guitar licks that end up taking Andriano’s vocals off the beaten path.  

There are many reasons to get into Party Adjacent, but seeing Andriano in this sort of carefree jam mode is about the best of the bunch.  Altogether, the product really gives the impression that Andriano is particularly proud of how Party Adjacent turned out.  Hearing Dan separated from his lyrically dark persona in a full band setting (Hurricane Season was primarily a slow acoustic affair) is a welcome treat, and with Dan soon approaching forty, The Emergency Room projects a maturity you’d expect from an artist with such a lengthy career behind him.  An absolutely worthwhile alter-ego to Dan Andriano’s Alkaline Trio self.