The Dogs The Only Band Called the Dogs EP

I wasn’t prepared for this. The record opens with “I Didn’t Ask,” which sounds like a bastard version of “Cold Sweat”-era THIN LIZZY minus the twin guitar harmonies, and I’ll be goddamned if the vocals don’t sound like a snottier Phil Lynott. They are tuff and have the kind of swagger to them that should accompany riffs like these. It’s fast as hell and sounds like the soundtrack to a bad Saturday night! Jonah Falco (CAREER SUICIDE, FUCKED UP) oversaw all of the production, and the fidelity of the recording really serves the songs well. It’s an improvement over their 2024 LP; thick, meaty, and a lil’ dirty, with the bass driving each of the songs against a wall of programmed drums. The closing “Take It From Me” displays the band’s street punk influence, and it’s as catchy as it is menacing. The DOGS play rough-and-tumble rock’n’roll, plain and simple. If you’re a fan of shit that rocks, don’t sleep on this. I’d be surprised if this doesn’t end up on a bunch of year-end lists.

• Reviewer Sir Bobos
• Label Gob Nation / Under the Gun
• Issue MRR #515 • April 2026