The Dare: the man behind the resurgence of indie sleaze
Written by Nisha Cullen on 25th October 2024
Indie sleaze is a music genre popular from the late nineties to the early tens. Encapsulating elements of indie rock, club and pop music with pioneers such as the Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, MGMT and M.I.A. and even some early Arctic Monkeys.
While the music industry is forever changing and growing with the times, sometimes we see a resurgence that is worth noticing.
The Dare, or Harrison Patrick Smith, is a New York-based musician who is being credited with the resurgence of the indie sleaze genre. Off the back of the release of his first album What’s Wrong with New York? and enjoying the fame that is coming with being credited on the production of Guess by Charli XCX on her esteemed album brat along with the TikTok fame as his song Girls goes viral, here’s my take on What’s Wrong with New York?
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Despite featuring ten songs, nine of which are brand new, the album only runs for 27 minutes. The most popular song off the album is, of course, Girls which was previously released on The Sex EP, and has received TikTok fame.
The whole album is concise and has a clear sound which The Dare was aiming to keep uniform throughout. Having received various mixed reviews, Aimee Phillips of Clash saying the album is “perfect for making bad decisions in a sweaty basement,” or Jordan Bassett of NME said that “you’re better off listening to LCD Soundsystem”.
However, for fans of The Dare and his over-the-top, somewhat ironic style, his first album provides exactly that.
High energy song, “Perfume” has that perfect party vibe while featuring goofy lyrics about The Dare buying perfume from Paris online that cost him $5.99. The lyrics work, while not having any deep, profound meaning, which is not necessary in a music genre where irony is praised and taking yourself seriously is unheard of.
I Destroyed Disco is another perfect example of this. Hearing critics and almost agreeing with them, The Dare looks at them and says “I destroyed disco, so what?” to the backdrop of a sound effect-filled electronic track that deserves at least a head bop.
There is no deeper meaning hidden between the lines of What’s Wrong with New York? and that’s okay. The Dare loves what he makes, and that is obvious when you listen to his music. It’s carefree and stupid and he makes it for himself, and that is admirable.
In an industry of musicians selling out, or engineering a “viral” hit, it’s refreshing to see someone basking in the rewards of success over something that they’re passionate about.
As is said in Perfume: “It’s a little bit different but I don’t know why” – and it works perfectly.
