The Golden Dogs – 3 1/2
3.5/5
Pop-rock band The Golden Dogs have been delivering energetic live shows and catchy rock hooks to the Toronto area since 2001. It wasn’t until 2004 that the band released their debut album Everything in 3 Parts, and since then there have been a few changes to the line-up, extensive touring schedules and four more albums. As 2015 beings to unfold, The Golden Dogs are releasing their fifth studio album 3 ½, making sure not to lose touch with their catchy, energetic pop-rock sound.
Band founders Dave Azzolini and his wife, Jessica Grassia, are the driving force behind the band’s musical success and longevity, as they welcomed two new members into quartet (Stefanie McCarrol on keys/guitar, and Alejandro Cairncross on guitar).
The revived excitement and enthusiasm comes through with the opening track and hit single “Decided“. A mixture of vocals from Azzolini and Grassia contrast well to add a quirky dimension to the song, which eventually reaches its peak with a hard-hitting guitar solo from McCarrol.
The album’s studio recordings capture the band’s animated live performance style with energetic rock tracks such as “Do It For You”, which features a frenzy of synth textures and dance-rock beats. The thumping drum pattern matches well with the track “Parade”, along with the entire band sharing vocal responsibilities as lead and harmonies.
The Golden Dogs never miss a beat with their pop hook-based style, and travel across variations of the pop-rock sound as “Pretending” channels an early 2000s style of alternative rock that is reminiscent of a cross between No Doubt and TV on the Radio. 3 ½ takes a slightly more art-rock turn near the end with the 7-minute track “Spider Legs” and the instrumental track “MK Ultra”.
The band is on the road for a short tour in the upcoming months; check out the dates and buy the album at the band’s website.
