- Artist
- Dogs
- Label
- Weekender
- Release date
- 18th June 2007
- Genre
- Rock
Impressive return from snarling pop-punk mutts with more Jam-like gems
That London rock five-piece Dogs aren't huge is a music-industry mystery. A critically acclaimed first album (Turn Against This Land) on a major label, three top-40 hits, radio airplay and consistent anarchically euphoric live shows made that "next big thing" tag a no-brainer. Yet while the likes of Razorlight (with whom they once shared a manager) became household names, Dogs and their spiky, adrenalin-fuelled punk-pop racket, well... didn’t.
Now free of Island Records, Dogs return seemingly unscathed – in fact, on this confident collection, they come back as snarling and fierce as before - but with a measured maturity that makes Tall Stories... a less immediate, but ultimately more fulfilling listen than their debut. Johnny Cooke, in possession of one of the finest punk rasps around, remains lyrically impassioned and wry on more tales of modern British life. Musically, Jam and Clash-esque pounding rhythms and fiery riffs still provide the moshpit thrills, but tracks such as the reflective Winston Smith and Who Are Yu (sic) reveal a likeable vulnerability underneath the rock swagger. Worldwide fame may remain elusive but such captivating songs should see Dogs in it for the long-haul.
More to try: The Jam: All Mod Cons The Clash: Give 'Em Enough Rope Dogs: Turn Against This Land
