Sick Dogs

Reviews

Sick Dogs Sick Dogs LP

As if the lovechild of AC/DC and the NEW YORK DOLLS released an album on BYO Records in the mid-’90s. I’m absolutely blown away by the fact that this is a duo. I know with this being a studio recording that things can be layered, tracked, and such and such, but the energy is palpable and very high-level for this being just two dudes. And speaking of, the production on this is incredible. Fantastic mastering work here, with everything sounding huge. The LP is topped off with an OPERATION IVY cover done in their own styling, and it wraps things up nicely. Would love to see how these guys sound live. In the meantime, I’ll keep this album spinning.

The Palmettes / Sick Dogs / Tight Genes / Vicious Dreams DCxPC Live and Swamp Cabbage Records Present, Vol. 29 split LP

A four-band compilation focused not just on Florida, but on Orlando—this live record really delivers. I have to admit that my expectations were low. Really low. There were just so many red flags. A live record featuring four bands from one city? Volume 29? VICIOUS DREAMS get things rolling right out of the gate with a super catchy and melodic version of power punk with pretty but sort of snotty female vocals, and they finish things with an excellent X-RAY SPEX cover. Next up, the PALMETTES slow things down with some doo-wop-inspired pop music, again featuring female vocals. While the musical style is quite different from the opening band, it too is super-catchy, and the band is remarkably tight. The B-side starts off strong with SICK DOGS delivering some high-energy, pounding punk rock with a street edge and throaty vocals. The guitar is part AC/DC and part ABRASIVE WHEELS. Great energy. We wrap things up with five cuts from TIGHT GENES. Wow. This is some impressive punk that has me thinking of the ADOLESCENTS, but maybe a little more frenzied. Like maybe add some FLIPPER. Honestly, a great record from start to finish. If you own a turntable, buy this. If you don’t own a turntable, go buy one and then buy this.