Touch

A life consisting of "sex, drugs and rock & roll" is reality for The Dance Party - singer Mick Coogan, guitarist Kevin Bayly, bassist Dave Keuhl and drummer Jon Jester. They've already conquered their hometown (Washington, DC), and now it's time to get friendly with the rest of the world with their debut album, Touch, on Hell Ya! Records. Make no mistake: Touch is sexualized danger, fused with '80s pop, slick rock production and soaring pop melodies. It's evidenced by the first single, "Sasha Don't Sleep," in which frontman Mick Coogan alternates between a wailing growl and a Prince-like falsetto whisper to convey lyrics ranging from casual sex to Armageddon-level revelry. The Dance Party had the honor and privilege to work with a bevy of acclaimed musicians and producers on Touch, including Justin Hawkins (singer/guitarist of The Darkness), David Paich (keyboardist of Toto), Matt Squire (3OH!3), and hit makers Luke Walker (Christian TV), Julian Bunetta (Leona Lewis), and Tim Pagnotta (Neon Trees). Seasoned rock veterans Scott Shriner of Weezer and John Button of John Mayer-fame shared their talents on bass as Warren Huart (The Fray, Kris Allen), Julian Bunetta (Leona Lewis, Jessie James), and Luke Walker (Christian TV, Sugar Ray, Filter) carefully crafted the band's sound. Touch is the soundtrack of lusty East Coast boys set loose on the landscape of L.A. that encourages excess and living for the moment. Their songs exhibit musical freedom with a refusal to follow the conventional patterns of pop music. Coogan echoes: "I think our songs rely on tough guitar parts, combined with big melodies layered on top of unique synth tones. I love singing home-run choruses, but I also love channeling R&B and singing falsetto. We all grew up loving every slick rock band - from Def Leppard to the Smashing Pumpkins to Phoenix - but we all love Michael Jackson and Prince just as much. I think it's reflected in our songs." The Dance Party rock without irony. They want to melt your face. They want to have sex with you. They want to headline the first Rock & Roll Festival on the Moon. They want to rule the world.