It’s nearly impossible to distinguish songwriter/producer Harrison Patrick Smith, who now goes by The Dare, from indie sleaze, a descriptor of his music that has followed him since the release of the single “Girls” in late 2022. Before taking on The Dare name, Smith fronted the indie band Turtlenecked, releasing four full-length albums, including Kapow!, in 2020.
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But The Dare’s overt echoes to early 2000s New York bands that include The Rapture, The Strokes, and LCD Soundsystem, in particular, recalled the kinetic excitement of that time. Through high-voltage techno-pop tracks, most of which unapologetically revel in electronic ecstasy, The Dare marks the second coming of indie sleaze in an ever-evolving music landscape that hasn’t moved away from those early bands in the slightest.
“Girls” understandably exuded Y2K nostalgia, all while making the most out of minimalist yet ear-splitting synths and unabashedly horny lyrics. In the same vein as “Girls,” “Good Time” takes the energy up to an 11, delivering the same noise complaint-inducing party ruckus that makes The Dare so replayable.
After The Sex EP was released in the first half of 2023, Smith was subsequently shot out of a canon and quickly rose to prominence on the back of four tracks. The Dare opened for Yves Tumor multiple times in October, earned cosigns from major publications like The New York Times, and played sold-out small club shows in NYC and LA. While unprecedented for such a new artist, the hype is well deserved when your infectiously unholy electronic splendor transports crowds 20 years back.
On top of the success that came along with The Sex EP, Smith also does DJ gigs and is starting to remix other artists’ songs. Most recently, he remixed “Los Angeles,” a collaborative single that included Lol Tolhurst, formerly of The Cure, and LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy. Similar to other songs on The Sex EP, the remix’s chaotic synths, equivalent in intensity to an exploding transformer, prove that Smith and Murphy are different despite always sporting black tie outfits.
The Dare has an upcoming DJ set in Los Angeles on Jan. 26. at The Spotlight, Hollywood’s newest club. Fans can RSVP to the free event.
New music is expected to come soon in 2024, as are more tour dates across the US. And given how much he’s evolved in such little time, it should prove Smith is more than an homage act looking to release high-libido-charged bangers. The inspirations are there to be heard, but there’s endless potential for something more from The Dare that will keep ears listening and clubs shaking.
Words: David Sosa
The Sex EP by The Dare is out on streaming services. For more on new music and live shows, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.
