The Dare feels like that wild, euphoric rush you get at 3 a.m.; a mix of joy and recklessness, where you stumble through the night, fighting against the dawn and the often sobering reality it brings. This rollercoaster of highs and lows perfectly captures the essence of The Dare’s latest release, The Sex EP. Centered around late nights out, the temptation to stay in, and raw desires, this solo project from Harrison Patrick Smith delivers a fresh take on the resurgence of indie sleaze, all while avoiding the trap of simply mimicking the trend.
The EP kicks off with “Girls,” the breakout hit that put The Dare on the map as a dance-punk force. Smith zooms through the track with an infectious energy that transports us from one New York club to another, leaving no time to pause. It’s no wonder this track became a staple on playlists for the trendiest spots in LA and NYC, lighting up dimly lit venues from Home Sweet Home to Tenants of the Trees. Next comes “Sex,” one of two new tracks on the EP. Smith shares, “I just wanted to write something funny and true about my relationship with sex. It’s a classic rock and roll theme, so it was a must.” This track keeps the party vibe alive, opting for honest expression over clever wordplay, delivering a sweaty, exhilarating release.
The EP wraps up with the previously released “Good Time,” which we’ve dubbed the perfect hangover anthem after “Girls,” and the new single “Bloodwork.” The latter stands out as an audacious choice, as it’s an entirely electronic track. Yet, it embodies the spirit of The Dare and The Sex EP beautifully. This is a celebration, and what kind of celebration wouldn’t include a dance track that sweeps you away, leaving you feeling both liberated and transformed