In the hallowed halls of rock history, where legends are born and anthems are etched into the collective consciousness, Universal Dice stands as a beacon of artistic integrity and musical prowess. Led by the multi-talented Gerry Dantone, this Long Island-based outfit has been carving out their own niche in the rock landscape since their inception, and with their latest single, “Once Upon A Time,” they prove once again why they are a force to be reckoned with.
From the haunting strains of the organ that open the track to the soaring vocals of Dantone, “Once Upon A Time” is a masterclass in storytelling through song. 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 effortless grace. His lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life shaped by adversity, each line resonating with a raw honesty and emotional depth that is impossible to ignore.
But Dantone is not alone in his musical journey. Longtime bandmates 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 unmistakable sound. And with keyboard support from Long Island musical giants Walt Sargent and Vincent Crici, “Once Upon A Time” takes on a life of its own—a symphony of sound that is at once familiar and utterly unique.
What sets Universal Dice apart from their contemporaries is their unwavering commitment to authenticity. With each album release, from their debut “Birth, Love, Hate, Death” to their most recent offering “My Name Is Thomas,” the band has fearlessly explored the depths of the human experience, crafting songs that resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level. And with “Once Upon A Time” serving as the second single off their upcoming fifth album, “Misfit Memoirs,” Universal Dice shows no signs of slowing down.
Indeed, “Once Upon A Time” serves as a tantalizing taste of what’s to come—a prelude to the sonic journey that awaits listeners on “Misfit Memoirs.” With its infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the track is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, there is always hope.
As the song builds to its crescendo, Dantone’s vocals soar above the swirling instrumentation, carrying with them a sense of defiance and determination. “Have half a heart,” he sings, a rallying cry for those who have been knocked down but refuse to stay down. It’s a message that resonates with audiences of all ages, a reminder that we are stronger than we know, and that our scars are a testament to our strength, not our weakness.
And so let us raise a toast to Universal Dice—a band that continues to push the boundaries of rock music while staying true to their roots. With “Once Upon A Time” as their latest offering, they prove once again that in a world of fleeting trends and empty promises, there is still room for music that speaks to the soul. So let the countdown begin, dear readers, for “Misfit Memoirs” promises to be an album for the ages—a timeless ode to the resilience of the human spirit, brought to life by the incomparable talents of Universal Dice.
Cleopatra Patel