Dash Cunning is returning to DeKalb, and this is good news.

A quality blend of ‘90s punk and the anthemic emo popularized by bands like Jimmy Eat World, Dash Cunning is one of the more exciting openers on any bill in DeKalb this year. They played their first show in DeKalb opening for Lucky Boys Confusion, and now are returning to Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Highway, on April 21 opening for AM Taxi.

Dash Cunning sat down with the Northern Star for an interview before their next show.

NS: So, who is in Dash Cunning, and what do you play? Introduce yourselves.

DC: Dash Cunning is Adam Wisz (lead vocals, guitar), Lee Noble (drums, vocals), Tony Campbell (bass, vocals), and Evan Thorne (guitar, vocals)

NS: So, how did this band form, and how did you get to the line-up you use today?

DC: Lee and Adam started Dash Cunning in 2008 as a way to entertain themselves and make use of Lee’s very expensive drumset he bought when he was fifteen. They figured out that they actually worked well as a songwriting duo and decided to reach out to friends and former bandmates to fill out the sound. Tony had been friends for over 9,000 years, so he came in to play guitar before switching to bass last year, which led to Evan being brought in on guitar.

NS: What do you feel makes your bands sound unique and original in what could be called an overpopulated local music scene?

DC: We try to emphasize composition more than a lot of the bands we’ve seen — our goal is to get the biggest sound possible out of four people, so a lot of energy gets put into the arrangements, and while a lot of bands don’t put much emphasis on vocal harmonies, we use three — and four — part vocals regularly. Also, our lyrical subject matter is… a little unusual.

NS: Why should people come out early to see you guys on April 21?

DC: We play songs about robots and zombies and video games, in four-part harmony. Also, we all have very mild superpowers. Where else will you find that dynamic combination?

The Dash Cunning vs. Mini-Boss demo is available for free download. Visit the links at www.dashcunningband.com to find it. Furthermore, anyone who signs up for their email list at the show will receive a free MP3 not otherwise available.

Editor’s note: Evan Thorne is a former Northern Star employee.