Since their signing to V2 last year, the Dogs’ have steadily built a reputation as songsmiths of credible indie-pop. Their previous offering, the limited edition Man Bites Man EP, was an encouraging debut which no doubt helped to sell out their recent UK tour. But with an album due for release in July, Godhopping is their first single. Both the band and record company will be hoping that it propels them to the kind of status currently being enjoyed by the likes of The Delays, Keane and Snow Patrol.
Franz Ferdinand have already shown the way for Scottish bands this year. Win your audience over early doors with catchy signature hooks and riffs. Dogs Die in Hot Cars have obviously paid good attention because straight away the jingly guitars lead the way. There’s a retro feel here and obvious comparisons to the likes of Dexy’s and Men at Work would be all too predictable and not give the band the credit they deserve, for they are as unique as the indie scene goes.
Up-tempo, fast-flowing with catchy lyrics, it’s hard not to like. There are no deep hidden meanings which fans are going to find life-affirming. It’s a happy bouncy ditty full of warmth and sunshine – very apt for this time of year.
