REVIEW: Universal Dice — Once Upon A Time (SINGLE)
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern music, where algorithms reign supreme and streaming platforms dictate the ebb and flow of artistic expression, Universal Dice stands as a bastion of authenticity — a beacon of light amidst the cacophony of commercialism. With their latest single, “Once Upon A Time,” Gerry Dantone and his band of musical virtuosos offer a lyrical and melodic journey that transcends the constraints of time and space.
WEBSITE: https://universaldice.com/
At its core, “Once Upon A Time” is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling — a narrative woven from threads of sorrow, longing, and redemption. As the lead vocalist, songwriter, guitarist, programmer, and recording, mixing, and mastering engineer for the band, Dantone wears many hats — and wears them all with a finesse that belies his years in the industry. His lyrics are a tapestry of emotion, each line a brushstroke in a larger canvas of human experience.
From the haunting opening verse to the soaring crescendo of the chorus, “Once Upon A Time” is a masterclass in lyrical poetry. Dantone’s words paint vivid images of a life lived on the fringes of society, each stanza a window into the soul of the protagonist. Lines like “My heart was pure, but no one cared” and “Have half a heart, the fire burns but not as hot” resonate with a raw honesty that is as refreshing as it is rare in today’s musical landscape.
But it is not just the lyrics that set “Once Upon A Time” apart — it is the music itself, a lush tapestry of sound that envelops the listener like a warm embrace. Longtime collaborators Bob Barcus on guitar and Eddie Canova on bass lend their considerable talents to the mix, their contributions adding depth and texture to Universal Dice’s signature sound. With keyboard support from the venerable Walt Sargent and Vincent Crici, the song takes on a life of its own — a symphony of sound that is at once hauntingly beautiful and achingly melancholic.
What sets Universal Dice apart from their peers is their unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. With each album release, from the introspective musings of “mostly True Stories” to the electrifying energy of “My Name Is Thomas,” the band has defied genre conventions and pushed the boundaries of musical expression. And with “Once Upon A Time” serving as the second single off their upcoming fifth studio album, “Misfit Memoirs,” Universal Dice continues to blaze a trail of innovation and creativity in an industry dominated by formulaic pop hits and soulless commercialism.
But perhaps the most pressing issue facing modern music today is the rise of streaming platforms and their impact on artistic freedom and expression. In a world where algorithms dictate the music we listen to and artists struggle to make ends meet, Universal Dice’s commitment to authenticity is more important than ever. And yet, despite the challenges posed by the streaming era, Universal Dice remains steadfast in their dedication to the craft. “Once Upon A Time” is a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend the limitations of technology and touch the very core of our humanity. It is a reminder that in a world of fleeting trends and disposable pop songs, there are still artists who dare to dream, who dare to create, and who dare to make music that matters.
With “Misfit Memoirs” on the horizon, let us celebrate the artistry and vision of Universal Dice — a band that continues to defy expectations and inspire audiences around the world. In “Once Upon A Time,” they have crafted a song for the ages — a lyrical and melodic journey that resonates with the timeless truths of the human experience. So let us raise our voices in praise of Universal Dice, and in doing so, reaffirm our belief in the enduring power of music to unite, to heal, and to uplift the soul.
Colin Jordan
