Reviews are now filtering in for Kittyhawk. Here are a few snippets.
The Fly (UK)
Sadly British Readers will have to buy this on import: while Sounds XP
are releasing single 'Big Bang', the album proper is only being released in
Japan. Shame: these tracks deserve to be flooding discos across the land,
fuelling first shy glances, then furtive flirting, followed by head-over-heels
romance as the young lovers remember Blondie, Echobelly, Sleeper and the Beatles.
Someone buy the UK License, Please!
Punk77 (UK)
You want perfect summer pop? I can give you that! You want a beautiful
frontwoman whose looks fall just the right side of girl next door? Well bugger
me, I can give you that too! Ladies and gents, I bring you Bristol's very
own Santa Dog. In truth in does not matter one jot what Rowena Dugdale looks
like because if she can write and perform songs as good as these then she
could resemble the back end of a number 364 bus and still be destined for
stardom. Their sound? Well I suppose the best description would be a slick
modern take on eighties jangle pop, lets say in a similar vein to the more
structured bands on the Sarah Records roster. Their debut single Big Bang
has just been released in a limited run of 500 copies and their first album
Kittyhawk is also available, albeit only on Japanese import at present.
Leonards Lair(UK)
After a clutch of impressive EPs, Santa Dog have built up on their promise
with an almost-perfect pop album. Not since the early days of The Cardigans
and The Sundays before them, have a group embraced the values of the English
cute pop so well, a lineage which goes back to the likes of Prefab Sprout.
There are certainly a lot of comparisons between 'Kittyhawk' and the early
Cardigans' albums. 'Big Bang' and 'Yeah Yeah Yeah' boast simple choruses but
their nagging riffs and infectious tunes are unshakeable. Furthermore, in
Rowena Dugdale, the group have an arresting frontwoman whose vocals are clear,
distinct, occasionally girlie but also capable of the yearning required for
the 'Belle De Jour', 'West Coast Boy Racers' and 'Martyr On The Ropes'; the
latter song featuring a killer switch from melancholic slow verses to snappy
choruses. Although most songs here clock in at around the three minute mark,
'Chemical' possesses enough ideas and jangly pop to prove Santa Dog aren't
just a singles-fixated band; having said that the meandering 'Lucky Me' could
definitely have been shortened. The only other criticism is that the album
versions of 'Belle De Jour' and 'Rosa' aren't quite as immediate as their
EP counterparts but they're still cracking songs. Overall, Santa Dog have
reclaimed indie pop's holy grail for England and if they continue in this
vein they look like holding on to it for a while yet. 4/5
Tasty
Fanzine (UK)
It's the middle of June and I'm having to deal with 10 degree temperatures,
black skies and seemingly endless rain. Thank goodness I've had the sparkly
summery guitar pop of Bristol's Santa Dog to see me through the last couple
of weeks. Not to say Santa Dog are all goodness and light - there's an underlying
bitter-sweet theme to many of these tracks which only becomes apparent when
you really listen to the lyrics, and even then can lead to you creating sub-texts
in your mind. 'Kittyhawk' is also a bit of a retrospective for me, having
listened to each of the previous EP releases over the past couple of years.
'Belle de Jour', 'Rosa' and 'Chemical' still sound marvellous - all pristine
guitars chiming through a percussion section that is seamlessly tight yet
energetic. No wonder the production is of such a flawlessly high standard
when you understand that guitarist Rob Williams owns the studio in which the
album was recorded and mixed with the rest of the band. But the alchemic secret
of this pop gold dust is surely the silken tones of singer Rowena Dugdale.
Even tracks as outwardly shouty as 'Yeah Yeah Yeah' see the vocals caressed
and nurtured rather than forced. It seems Rowena never needs to really stretch
herself to produce an a wonderful sounding vocal track which means the music
as a whole never sounds contrived or forced. In fact the whole album is a
testament to a band who are clearly at ease with themselves and with one another.
My favourite track is still 'Chemical' with it's languid dark lyrics - 'I
am not in control - it's the chemicals', effervescent guitar and tumultuous
finale. There's a couple of tracks which I am not so fond of - 'West Coast
Boy Racer' just seems to get on my nerves for some reason - maybe it's the
loungey vibe or the cheesey rimshots on the drums in the first verse. But
I'm not going to hold that against Santa Dog - this is a an album of which
they should be very proud.
Unearthed
Treasures (UK)
"Their debut single, Big Bang opens the album with gusto. The sound that
hits you is coming through the ages. Front woman, Rowena Dugdales's voice
is yearning for a duet with Jenny Lewis whilst the music is contemporary but
feels like it has a long lost cousin in the sixties....The album progresses
from a roaring start with the guitar bleating Are You Hot Enough and the third
EP's title track, Belle de Jour. There are a few songs from their previous
EP's scattered around Kittyhawk. And why not ? There are some delightful pop
songs here, that are still on their first airing to the majority....11 tracks
of pop music that fills a void for any emotion out there. You can skate through
the summer happiness or glide towards the winter blues. But it's all in here
somewhere and it's waiting for you to play it..."
Oxford
Bands (UK)
"This Bristol-based female-fronted indie four piece have gigged extensively
and the hard work shows on their largely-excellent debut album Kittyhawk.
I particularly like this title, suggestive as it is of the two alternate impressions/moods
conjured up by the music, namely a rather loveable sweetness balanced by a
predatory, aggressive streak. 'Belle de Jour' exemplifies this dichotomy,
the jangling guitars and effortless alto of Rowena Dugdale providing irresistible
cuteness in spades, while Rob Williams' waspish guitar and the unmistakeable
sexuality of the lyrics prevent the song cloying the palate........Summary:
top class."
Eardrums
Fanzine (Norway)
"Santa dog had me at hello. 'Big Bang' gives the album a perfect kickstart.
The beat is great, and I love all the rhythm changes. This is characteristic
for the whole album. Great vocal, catchy beats and rhythm, a fantastic guitar
sound, and a happy pop sound. Santa Dog represents quality. I can't even pick
a favourite song. They are all great."
Scene and Heard
(Canada)
"Bristol's Santa Dog was one of the more pleasant surprises during Canadian
Music Week 2007. Their debut album is yet another pleasant surprise. There's
a "veddy British" sound to the band's shimmering indie pop and frontwoman
Rowena Dugdale's engaging vocals will doubtlessly draw comparisons to any
number of British female singers including Echobelly's Sonya Aurora Madden
or Sleeper's Louse Wener, though she sounds more like a younger Chrissie Hynde......"
Smother
(USA)
"After two tremendously received EPs, Santa Dog readies their debut full-length,
"Kittyhawk". Percolating with simmering melodies and delicate guitar pop,
"Kittyhawk" departs a bit from the Brit-pop that they had so effortlessly
rounded out with their prior efforts. Here, it's more cascading artistic rock
with incredible arrangements that are complex led by female vocalist Rowena
Dugdale's steady delivery. Santa Dog is a very promising addition to the already
bubbling over U.K. underground music scene. Catch on, while you still can!"
Broken
Dial (New York)
"Hailing from Bristol, UK, Santa Dog charms up melodic pop until it's classy
enough to take out on the town..Kittyhawk gives off a good vibe, and maintains
this positivity throughout. Take the candy-coated "Pop Coloured" with its
"All I want to do/involves you" hook and holler, and you know it's just about
time to dance. And then there's the single "Big Bang," and it's to-the-cosmos
chorus pickup that will have you believing in whatever gospel Kittyhawk has.
Burning
World (UK)
"I must admit I was getting a bit worried about Santa Dog. It's been a
while since we last heard from them but it seems not without good reason.
They've been locked inside a studio in Bristol plugging away at their debut
album, and here it is. It's called Kittyhawk and it sparkles like a diamond.
They seem to have simply carried on from where they left off with last years
excellent Belle De Jour E.P. All I need now is for the band to come up and
play somewhere in the north of England.."
Noize
Makes Enemies (UK)
Santa Dog are a four piece indie-pop band from Bristol, who have provided
a debut album full of summery tunes with a dark underbelly. The band is led
by the delicate vocals of Rowena Dugdale, who manages to convey emotional
power without ever needing to shout her lyrics. The album starts off on a
strong note. At first listen 'Big Bang' is a tuneful little song that uses
imagery of space travel. Scratch beneath the surface though and it turns into
what seems to be an indictment of the big brother surveillance culture. This
is typical of the style of this album, a pretty song that actually has a serious
message. The album starts to get noticeably darker on the track 'Chemical'.
The rippling guitar riff and subject matter of chemical dependency would not
seem out of place if Placebo had recorded it. However overall the style of
the song is more in keeping with a band like The Sundays. Another stand out
track is 'Katy', which tells the tale of a desperate girl fooled into pornography.
It's a subject matter I've heard several times in the past, but never with
the conciseness and lyrical cleverness of this effort. Couple this with the
vocals of Rowena sounding remarkably like Louise Wener of Sleeper and the
overall affect is one that sticks in the mind. It is a sign of the internet
age that as of this writing the album is only available as a Japanese import.
It is good that bands such as Santa Dog are getting many more opportunities
to get heard by labels, but at the same time it is frustrating that the shipping
costs could be more than the cost of the album. Fortunately all is not lost
for UK listeners. A 7" of 'Big Bang' and 'Are You Hot Enough?' is available
now, and if you go to iTunes you can download that single and also the The
Chemical EP that includes album tracks 'Chemical' and 'Katy'. If there is
any justice the band will be able to get a UK distribution deal sorted out.
This is an album that deserves to be heard by as many people as possible.
This is one of those rare albums that can be enjoyed on many levels. If you
just want to listen to a pleasant Teenage Fanclub type band then you'll enjoy
this record. You'll also enjoy it if you like to really listen in depth to
an album and find the emotional core of the tracks
Delicatessen
Magazine (USA)
"We got a lovely little package in the mail from Santa Dog, plucky UK band
from Bristol. They've been putting out their own EPs and spreading their music
around the world these past two years. In that short time they've attracted
attention from SoundsXPerience and Quince Records, which is putting out their
debut, full-length album "Kittyhawk" on June 4. It includes some of the best
stuff from the EPs ("Chemical" where the vocals go from ethereal to rich),
plus new songs, like the first single "Big Bang," out later this month via
SoundsXPerience, and "Martyr on the Ropes," fun little song for changeup rhythms
and dancing along."
Coast
is Clear (Germany)
"poppige melodies, which are strengthened by partly, umspielt sometimes
guitar sounds also experimentelleren and over those the voice of singer Rowena
Dugdale float......." (Yes, Babelfish translation does funny things)
Lito Music
(Spain)
"What we are going away to find in this album muses or belly with the dulzura
of the Sundays is songs able to combine the force of groups like throwing.
It opens to the disc the Big song Bang. Also we have the one is possibly my
favorite song of the group, the surprising Belle de Jour whose agreed of guitar
and pegadiza melod’a conquered to me as listened to it for the first time.....Really,
that the disc I like," (Babelfish translation does more funny things)
Ashton
Court Festival 2007 - efestivals.co.uk
You can't argue with good old, jingly jangly rock n'roll when the sun is shining
this bright, and Santa Dog deals out plenty of frivolous heart-warming music,
doused in that sparkly feel-good factor that can lift even the most persistent
of bad moods. The look of Blondie, the hooks of The Cardigans, and the vibe
of The Thrills make for a rather good alternative group, and lead singer Rowena
Dugdale has mastered the elegance of glamorous chic, with aviator belittling
glasses and a sexy black number to boot. Some nice fiddly guitar work from
Rob Williams completes a tight outfit, definitely one of the day's highlights.
---------------------------------
Ashton
Court Festival 2007 - Venue Magazine
Bristol's brightest emerging pop stars. Today, Santa Dog feel like the aural
equivalent of a long-overdue summer trip: shimmering pop escapism the likes
of which Venue hasn't seen since the majesty of The Sundays over 10 years
ago.
---------------------------------
The Luminaire,
London- SoundsXP
Santa Dog are quite wonderful tonight. They rip Britpop a new arsehole with
their muscular sound, which is rockier than we've heard them play before.
'Chemical' breaks heads, 'Belle De Jour' leaps to the floor and gives us a
hundred push ups while 'Big Bang' is a fat firecracker of the song. The influences
Ð The Smiths and Prefab Sprout among others - are still there but so bulked
up you want to test them for steroids. Rowena shakes her head and Rob W wrings
out sounds from his guitar like they've been studying Metallica ..aries while
the rhythm section of Martin and impassive bassist-for-this-evening Steve
pump out a mighty foundation of rockbeastness. If you've heard the EPs you
might think there's an English gentility about them but tonight your thoughts
would have been nursing their wounds in the local A&E because Santa Dog prove
they have balls. Here's hoping they're the buoyant sort with today's weather.
---------------------------------
The Exeter Hall, Oxford - Colin
MacKinnon, Oxfordbands.com
BristolÕs female-fronted four-piece Santa Dog took over and immediately won
hearts and minds with the gorgeous three-minute pop wonder, ÔRosaÕ. Their
cleverness is to combine an external (but completely genuine) sweetness with
a dash of something more angular, whether it is a waspish lead guitar line
or an unusual bass progression. The Cardigans at their best manage this trick,
but most of the other influences that spring to mind are of male-fronted groups
such as The Strokes. Singer Rowena has a winning gleefulness which is impossible
to resist, smiling sweetly at the audience members even between delivering
her lines. Here the influence or at least the philosophy of Franz Ferdinand
is evident: if you donÕt show your enjoyment on stage, how can you project
it onto your audience? The rest of the group were equally comfortable in their
skins, playing tightly and sympathetically, no doubt well honed by a serious
gigging history. As long as they can stay out of the mass City and Rovers
brawls which seem to punctuate the majority of their home gigs, they deserve
a great future.
---------------------------------
Clinton's, Canada Music Week, march 2007 -
Andrew Horan, Scene & Heard Magazine, Toronto
It wasn't particular
surprising that Bristol's Santa Dog organized their first dates outside of
Europe around Canadian Music Week in the hope that Winnipeg's Paper Moon would
be there. Both bands are fronted by a dynamic frontwoman and play sugary sweet
power pop songs, though SD's have a rougher edge that's reminiscent of The
Pretenders. Rowena Dugdale's vocals were a ringer for Chrissie Hynde's. While
their pairing with a couple of aggressive bands might have seemed odd, the
quartet managed to retain a healthy portion of the crowd, despite the time
slot they were saddled with, and doubtlessly won over more than a few fans.
Dugdale further ingratiated herself to the audience by telling them that they
were "a lovely, lovely bunch." After their set, she told S&H.ca that SD's
jaunt across the pond had been incredibly successful. If their showing at
CMW was any indication, they will doubtlessly move onto bigger and better
things.
---------------------------------
Clinton's, Canada
Music Week, march 2007 -
www.torontoist.com
Up next was Santa Dog from
Bristol, UK. Their sound was stereotypical Brit-pop-rock, with Rowena Dugdale
quietly singing along to Rob Williams' plucky guitar work. Every once in a
while Dugdale would start wailing and her delicate frame appeared so overtaken
by emotion it seemed it would implode. Luckily, it didn't, and Dugdale swiftly
returned to playing her bright yellow guitar and stealing flirty looks from
the audience. Cute.
---------------------------------
Clinton's, Canada
Music Week, march 2007 -
itsnotthebandihateitstheirfans blog
The only show I caught at this year's Canadian Music Week was Saturday night
at Clinton's on Bloor, where I was eagerly looking forward to seeing how Santa
Dog's retro brit-pop sound would translate to our Canadian bar patrons. They
did not disappoint, although they definitely had their work cut out for them.
They were preceded by Ottawa's Loudlove, who were your typical hard rockin',
funky bar band with a bit of ska thrown in for good measure. They were better
than average, and they brought the house down (as bar bands generally do in
bars.) However, the only logical follow up would have been a 70's band like
Foghat, not Santa Dog. But The Dog did not let that deter them from playing
a stellar show. Lead singer Rowena Dugdale is just as charming as I expected
she would be, and her overall enthusiasm for coming to icy cold Canada (although
Saturday's temperature wasnÕt too bad), just added to her onstage fervor.
It should also be noted that bassist Rob Ash has rock star swagger down to
a science, and he also gave those who stuck around a good show! They played
several songs from the 'Belle de Jour' EP and also included several cuts from
their upcoming full-length 'Kittyhawk' which IÕve listened to and it's fantastic
(more on that in a later post.) It was also very nice to meet them and I was
very glad to hear that the rest of their visit to Canada had been a rousing
success.
---------------------------------
Luminaire, London 9/12/06 Whisperin
and Hollerin zine
It's always a pleasure to go to Time Out's Venue of the Year and this was
no exception. Santa Dog were wicked cool. The lead singer was female and unlike
most prissy pop stars or over dramatic rock divas she simply delivered great
songs with feistiness and passion.Ê The band put in a great performance. They
blatantly love what they do and I got the feeling that they could have happily
played up there all night without tiring. I'd definitely recommend catching
Santa Dog when they next visit London." 9/10
---------------------------------
wunderbar.co.uk
Now then, I'd been eagerly awaiting Santa Dog's September appearance at the
Wunderbar for quite some time. Despite a disappointing turn out for what was
for me was a hotly tipped billing, Santa Dog nonetheless shone through with
an intimate performance of their sunny-side-up thinking-person's pop. In an
ever predictable climate of macho-minded indie-rock, it's so refreshing to
see a band who cleverly balance slick style with pure, unashamed 'pop'. The
Bristol based four-piece rekindle a nostalgic spirit of big jangly guitars,
bristling melody and cool girl fronted charm. Personally, I've taken a real
shine to this band since hearing their rather excellent self-released Chemical
EP from last year. Santa Dog aren't your average shambling twee-pop band though.
No. Instead, their bright, summery pop is punctuated with a dark sinister
twist, resulting in glorious pop songs, accessible to many, yet reassuringly
intellectual to boot. Think Blondie meets One Thousand Violins. They even
play an Undertones cover that ISN Teenage Kicks - how refreshing is that!
These guys are seriously good musicians too. Indeed, guitarist Rob Williams
cranks up his vintage AC30 playing in a jangly style akin to The Bunnymen
or Johnny Marr. The band's line-up has recently been augmented by bassist
Rob Ash, who Wunderbar regulars will remember from fellow Bristol popsters
The Mighty Stars. Santa Dog resolutely place the capital P back in Pop with
cool, effortless charm. Let's hope they make a welcome return to the Wunderbar
soon.
---------------------------------
Venue
Magazine South West Sound, Joe Publics 25/4/06
Stars of the show were Santa Dog, the best indie guitar band in Bristol. Frontwoman
Rowena Dugdale 'owned' the stage (when she wasn't doing a Hunting Lodge, off
stage dancing with gig-going legend Big Jeff). The entire band seemed to be
having the best time ever, as did the crowd. Magnificent.
Tasty Fanzine
Purveyors of fine CD packaging design and even finer indie pop nuggets, the
lovely Santa Dog offer their 3rd EP to Tasty and by George, it's the best
yet. There's a new found sparkliness and glitz (I'm sure I heard a harp towards
the end of 'Belle de Jour'?) but it never gets sickly thanks to the dark overtones
of the vocals and lyrics, even when they are being playful. If there is any
justice in the world (and we all know there isn't) then 'Pop Coloured' would
be flowing out of our radios every morning instead of Pussycat Dolls.
---------------------------------
Norman Records
Quite digging this CD single called 'Belle De Jour'. It's breezy, brilliantly
executed indie pop ala Belly, The Sundays & possibly Echobelly but the singer
Rowena reminds me of someone else entirely, her sweet, full voice carrying
the title track effortlessly through it's effortless, exuberant gallop towards
your heart. This is truly the kind of classic guitar pop that exists in it's
own universe, mercifully free of the shackles of hyperbole & trend.
'Rosa' shines in second place, it's polished Smithsian edges appealing to
my inner indie kid, 'Pop Coloured' too being a perky mid-paced jangler full
of easy to like hooks. Closer '1000 Cranes' is the atmosphere laden slowie,
the gentle, heartfelt lull making this a well rounded 4 track treat for lovers
of the more commercial end of lady fronted alt pop.
---------------------------------
Russell's Reviews
Thankfully the next thing off the pile is Santa Dog's 'Belle De Jour EP'.
Finally a band that have decided to ignore any trends and concentrate on just
writing some catchy melodies and absolutely cracking songs. It's a very Anglo
pop sound and at times, especially on the title track, Rowena sounds a bit
like Sonya from Echobelly. Another band oft overlooked, mainly because they
purely delivered incessant pop hooks and melodies. The title track is light
and sweet, while 'Pop Coloured' is more gentle and pedestrian and features
some divine yelps and breathy vocals. They even turn their hand to a ballad
with '1000 Cranes' and come up smelling of roses. Stop following fashion and
follow Santa Dog instead
---------------------------------
Whisperin and Hollerin
Santa Dog encapsulates female fronted indie rock. Intelligent, quirky and
brimming with melody, the songs here bring to mind the better material of
Sleeper and Isobel Campbell. ÔPop colouredÕ is my personal favourite but all
four compliment each other well and there is no weak spot throughout! There
are not many decent female front women in indie land these days, so Rowena
is a welcome breath of fresh air in an otherwise desolate landscape!
---------------------------------
Indie MP3 / Sounds XP
The Belle De Jour EP is the latest release from Bristol's Santa Dog and follows
the Delicate and Chemical EPs. The band have obviously gained confidence,
especially from the blogging community from which they have slowly built their
fan base and this is apparent throughout the self titled lead track. "Oh my
god, your skin is so soft..to the touch" sings Rowena as her vocals ooze sexuality
as they pierce through the melodic but electrical charged forays ripping through
the track. It's simply sublime and could possibly well be their finest moment
so far. Rosa is intelligent and thought provoking with some darker elements
coming into play. There is no let up on Pop Coloured and 100 Cranes as both
are excellent examples of how challenging pop music should and can be regardless
of pace or tempo. Again the song writing and arrangements are second to none
and the EP is accompanied by yet another stunningly designed cover. In the
Chinese horoscope 2006 is the year of the dog. With this superior example
of guitar pop, which should be a template for others to follow, the year of
the dog may well ring true.
---------------------------------
Lostmusic
Sparking Pop music from the rather grand Santa Dog. Like all your favourite
pop guitar moments melted into one delicious EP.
The new EP from Santa Dog is a great way to start the weekend. The limited
edition version (The sleeve design is great and for those that bought the
EP early - your name is etched on the inside of the gatefold sleeve!) was
waiting for me on my return from the daily grind on Friday evening. Joy. If
you haven't being paying attention Santa Dog are a delightful pop band from
Bristol, England. They have released two previous EPs. 'Belle De Jour' is
another leap forward in quality aided by the arrival of new drummer Martin
Maidment. He gives the band a new solidity. It's from this foundation that
the new songs build, this is the sound of a band evolving and growing more
self assured. Opener and lead track 'Belle De Jour' starts with an electric
urgency and Rowena Dugdale's vocal really lifts the song along and with the
help of the nifty guitar riff this song will be stuck in your head for days
- trust me you'll be humming this one within minutes.
'Rosa' is another cracking example of how Santa Dog excute perfect pop. Intelligent
lyrics are under pinned by a great melody. Nice and simple but oh so effective.
Rowena Dugdale's vocals are sounding better than ever on this EP - not to
say they were bad before, they just seem richer this time around On final
track '1000 Cranes' the band showcase a more subtle sound. This is a haunting
track that slowly ensnares you. Gentle guitars and vocals interweave to produce
my favourite Santa Dog track so far. There is something in the way that the
band seem to get the song poised on the edge of take off that is a joy to
hear. Santa Dog are a band that are fast improving. They were already a current
favourite of mine but this EP really is a step up from anything they have
released thus far. Roll on more Santa Dog shows and an LP is much desired
by Lostmusic.
---------------------------------
Pennyblack music
Santa Dog are a very typical modern-day British indie band; understated, heavily
accented vocals, a slight new wave influence, a hint of the Smiths and Jeff
Buckley in its glistening, jangly guitars. This isnÕt necessarily a bad thing
if done well, and Santa Dog do pull it off. In these days of choppy-haired
indie dance wannabes, the mere lack of disco rhythms seems incredibly refreshing.
Certainly, Santa Dog havenÕt exactly torn up the rule book with this EP, but
they obviously know how to write a half-decent tune, which is good enough
for me.
---------------------------------
Smother.net
Their last EP ÒChemicalÓ was a terrific display of melodic Brit-pop. They
continue in that thread with ÒBelle de JourÓ. Bottling melody and offering
it up with bubbly female vocals and raunchy guitar tones, Santa Dog belts
out catchy hooks and verses that are mindful of bridging between each chorus
but knowing that each part is equally important. The drums are light and steady
with few complex parts to get your head wrapped around which is absolutely
perfect for this group. That's the best part about Santa Dog, they donÕt try
to overdo anything; instead you just hear a glide of melodic pop that nuzzles
you close and wonÕt ever bite.
---------------------------------
UK Music Search
A Bristol based four piece who write songs that take all the best bits of
The Throwing Muses, Echobelly and Belly, distilling them into dizzy three
minute nuggets; Santa Dog are a female fronted pop group with elegance.
BELLE DE JOUR, the bands third EP is a collection of songs that skip into
your life bringing a ray of sunshine with them. The title track is a spirited
slice of upbeat indie pop; unleashing joyous melodies and big bouncy guitar
riffs, a sun soaked pop song for these dark winter months ahead. The more
forgettable sounding ROSA and POP COLOURED may not quite scrape the same heights,
though full marks for some playful yelping on the latter song; its the teary
eyed closer here, 1000 CRANES though, a beautiful and poignant climax to proceedings
that leaves perhaps the longest lasting impression. An impressive sounding
EP, BELLE DE JOUR is the sound of Santa Dog delivering joyous indie rock that
somehow makes life seem just that little bit better; as a starting course,
this is an appetiser that leaves you gagging to hear more
Tasty Fanzine
Bristol's Santa Dog spill the beans about Johnny Depp, speed cameras and solar
panels.
1. CD, LP or MP3?
Rob A: 7"
Rob W: LP LP LP LP LP
Rowena: They all have their own merits, but LP gets the warm and fuzzy vote
2. In a nutshell (or any other shell for that matter)
2. how would you describe your music?
Rowena: Sparkly, literate guitar pop
Rob W: Shiny Pop music with energy and soul
Rob A: Sludge Doom
3. What is the reason you wanted to be in a band?
Rowena: Because it's lonely on your own
Rob A: Mass adoration, a big house complete with a guitar-shaped swimming
pool and gold discs on each and every wall, a supermodel wife and my own helicopter
to travel to gigs in.
Rob W: I like the noise a guitar makes
4. If you could watch two celebrities wrestle, who would they be and why?
Martin: Paris Hilton and Jeffrey Archer. the vacuous and the vapid in a clash
of the vulgarian. In a pit of vipers
Rob W: George Bush and Tony Blair - I'd like to see them get hurt
Rob A: I'd like to see whichever tosspot gobsh*te is on the front of the NME
this week wrestle with a real-life bear.
Rowena: Johnny Depp (naked please) and Big Bird from Sesame Street, purely
for my own twisted pleasure.
5. If a band plays a gig in an empty hall in Stoke do they really make
a sound?
Rowena: I really don't care, I'm still thinking about Johnny and the yellow
bird.
Martin: Yes. The sound of a tree falling.
Rob A: Yes
Rob W: Yes - I've proved it
6. Who would you want to play you in the movie version of your life?
Martin: Judy Garland
RobA: John Deacon from Queen.
RobW: Johnny Marr
Rowena: Frank Sidebottom in a frock.
7. Are there any new bands that you have played with, or heard, that you
think people should be more aware of? Or for that matter, any bands the you
feel are criminally underrated?
RobW: Yes - the best gigs are always underattended. Another good reason for
being in a band and seeing as many other acts as possible.
RobA: All the best bands are criminally underrated.
Rowena: Babel, The Wraiths, Treehouse Burning, The Francos, Countryside, Attic
Lights, Bucky. All great and deserving a wider audience.
8. What are your top five favourite albums?
Rob W: 1. Hawaii - the High Llamas 2. Revolver - the Beatles 3. The Commercial
Album - the Residents 4. Marquee Moon - Television 5. Can you still feel -
Jason Falkner
Rowena: Prefab Sprout - Steve McQueen The Beatles - Abbey Road The Strokes
- Is this it Nick Drave - Five Leaves Left Blondie - Parallel Lines
Rob A: Serge Gainsbourg - Histoire De Melody Nelson Super Furry Animals -
Mwng Bucky - All The New Mistakes Various - Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from
the first Psychedelic era 1965-68 Them - Them Again
9. If you were leader of your country for a day what laws would you change?
Martin: Legalise cannabis/outlaw religion/sack all politicians and replace
them with scientists
Rob A: I'd pass some laws that would prevent bands like Kasabian and Razorlight
releasing records.
Rob W: Abolish the speed limit and speed cameras on motorways : decriminalise
cannabis.
Rowena: remove speed cameras, stop trident missile and spend the money on
solar panels for roofs.
Link
to UK Music Search Interview
