DOGDAD are a post-punk and post-hardcore band who have just caught my attention thanks to their debut album. It’s called SWAN DIVE PITY PARTY.

By Graeme Smith

SWAN DIVE PITY PARTY is an album that should suit lovers of noise and accessible emo rock in equal measure. Across its seven tracks, it alternates between the overwhelming and the welcoming, all starting with Hands on a Hardbody. This slow-burning intro gives us some jangly, looping guitar and driving percussion before lilting yet edgy vocals come in. Fans of Placebo will find a lot to love about it.

Dewar’s Good Time gives us a juddering rhythm and screamed vocals that give way to melodic guitar interludes. Know Me Better is vibrant and emotional and has a groove that borders on pop were it not for the fuzziness of the guitars. Hospice goes in the other direction with plenty of distortion and vocals that are at their limit. It’s a highlight.

The Orchard is a swirling and disorientating moment with some machine gun percussion and dirty bass. Ouroboros mixes a sense of adventure with some visceral storytelling. Title track Swan Dive Pity Party closes the album with a five-minute odyssey. Opening steady and deliberate, it gradually develops into a melodic pop rock mid-section before finally arriving at a pleading, vulnerable conclusion. It’s a final highlight.

DOGDAD are a band who let their music speak for them, and there’s plenty being said across the seven tracks of their debut. Fans of the unconventional side of hard rock will absolutely eat this album up but don’t let its harder moments put you off if that’s not usually our bag. The outpouring of emotion in SWAN DIVE PITY PARTY has universal appeal.

You can check out SWAN DIVE PITY PARTY below.