La Dispute are more than just musicians, they are artists in the truest sense of the word. ‘Tiny Dots’, a film recorded in 2014 and directed by Niall Coffey showcases everything that is unique about them. It is a documentary film which allows the fan of La Dispute to journey with them through the trials and tribulations of producing and recording their third album ‘Rooms Of The House’, including the changing line-up and dealing with fame whilst ensuring they wrote music that was both poignant and meaningful. They don’t and never have written music that sits as background noise. They are a remarkable experiment of sound, vision and lyrical maturity, and despite Jordan’s unwillingness to self-categorise, he is one of modern music’s greatest writers.
He has lyrically mastered the art of story telling, and evokes strong emotions in people who have experienced something similar. Whether this be losing a friend to cancer, or witnessing something awful, La Dispute provide a medium which allows a cathartic release for the band and for those who choose to listen.
Whilst the film shows the band are clearly not the most rock’n’roll in terms of excess, it portrays an honesty and integrity which is deeply enviable and evokes a strong sense of passion and respect. They are not doing this to max out on ridder benefits, they are living their ordinary lives through the band, which produces a vibrant sensation of morality, social justice and humanitarianism. They are global ambassadors for Teenage Cancer Trust, they ensure their gigs are all ages (not an easy feat in places like Australia) and they attempt to provide a live musical experience that is emotive, real and unique every time they play.
A sign in the film states ‘please turn off your mobile phones’ a sentiment which is too often overlooked at live music events today. There is far too much recording, for what ends up being a shoddy YouTube video that 50 people watch, and introduces interesting concepts of the live music experience, for if you watch a show through your lens, how does that alter the actual moment. We are becoming so engrossed by technology that we forget to enjoy the now, what should be both a personal and group sensory experience, a unique event, sharing something that is so personally relevant but with a group of complete strangers. It is extraordinary and unique, the film reiterating this message, something we would do well not to forget.
The documentary focuses on the production process of ‘Rooms Of The House’, which proved more tricky than one might expect. At this point, life has taken over and the band are no longer living together or in the same town.
It shows them writing communally in a wood cabin, an experience shown to be integral to the finished product. The whole band are so down to earth and easy going that it is easy to forget that they are not in the room chatting to you and gives the film a warm, friendly persona. This sentiment is highlighted in various fan interviews where they talk about Jordan hugging fans and being the nicest guys in any band.
At the root of it all is drummer Brad, who is both a technically gifted percussionist and the band’s pseudo-producer, having the final say on particular sounds and final track decisions. It is important to point out that this is not a topdown relationship, he simply has the ability to hear when something is good or not, and therefore makes the decision that others cannot in that particular moment. There are no swollen egos in La Dispute, and it is something that makes them so distinctively special.
There is a strong D.I.Y feel to La Dispute and this is clearly evident in that bassist Adam Vass designs all the band’s merch, as well as the logo. A logo which is shown to be permanently drawn as tattoos on a plethora of fans. This band mean something to lots of people, and everyone is treated as equal, there is a hardcore sentiment to it, but it feels like it goes even further beyond this. La Dispute and their fans are like a family, and this film highlights the idiosyncrasies that all families possess and explore together.
Visually the film is gorgeous, with romantic woodland scenes, immaculate beach views and gritty, raw urban environments. It wonderfully highlights the journey of the band throughout both the world and their own lives in La Dispute and enables the viewer to glimpse how they are choosing to not been blown away and how they are keeping their feet on the ground; it is this realism that gives the music the vigour and passion that make La Dispute such a good band.
If you know La Dispute, this will all make sense, and indeed the sentiment will ring true to all bands, but when you spend that much time with other people, they’re not just friends, or family, they become life partners. You travel, live on floors, are poor and no matter what, those things define you, and define who La Dispute are.
If you don’t know them, then it is well worth your time investing in them, as artists, as performers and as family. ‘Tiny Dots’ is a frank, honest and unassuming documentary which highlights what La Dispute are doing is important, relatively important, but important none the less. To fans, their friends and their families, this band mean the world.
The film can be rented and bought on Vimeo.
DAVE BULL