The Dog Show revolve around Jerome O’Brien who’s previous credits include playing bass with Devendra Banhart (‘Rejoicing in the Hands’) amongst many other less familiar names. Recording as a four piece with O’Brien switching to rhythm guitar and vocals, David Popeck on lead guitar, Andrew Plonsky on bass and drummer Josh Belknap, this would appear to be their first recording under this moniker. And very promising it is too.
Hailing from New York their sound may not be startlingly original but it is well executed, hugely listenable and the proud possessor of it’s own unique voice. Dealing in a vocal / lyrically led story telling tradition with rudimentary yet enchanting backing it loiters with intent somewhere between Lou Reed’s ‘New York’ and Razorlights recent (and wonderful) ‘Up all Night’. Whilst it may not carry the lyrical punch of Lou Reed or the populist update of all those bands that music journo’s cream themselves over (Television and friends) and killer singles that Razorlight have set loose amongst the world, it still has the ability to suck you into their world. A world of aging prostitutes and people questioning everything around them, it may be a distinct snapshot of New York but will talk to anyone who has lived or spent time in a major city, dazzled by the bright lights and drawn to the seedy underbelly.
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Clocking in at an ‘over far too quickly’ 28 minutes and 8 songs it is brief enough not to bore even taking into account the somewhat mono style. The guitars jangle, the rhythm section is tight, no-one is showing off for the sake of it. Songs such as opener ‘Hold Me Down’ or ‘Halycon Days’ have a cock sure strut to them, whilst ‘I Do It for You, I Do it For Me’ and ‘Diamonds and Broken Glass’ take the pace down slightly whilst letting the bluesy guitar stretch itself a little.
The production certainly leans towards lo-fi and it has a ramshackle feel to it but ‘Hello, Yes!’ is a confident and vibrant introduction to The Dog Show. Maybe not best of breed yet but certainly showing good pedigree.
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