All Dogs
Kicking Every Day
Salinas Records (2015)
Sounds like: Realizing your dog truly is better than you in every way possible
Score: 8/10
I believe the term is “Oh, the feels!” which is honestly the only way I can describe All Dogs’ music. The female-fronted band recently released their first full length through Salinas Records and they’ve already caught the attention of publications like Stereogum, NPR, and Pitchfork. Almost like reading entries from a diary, listening to Kicking Every Day feels surreal because it’s honest, nostalgic, and brutally self affirming. It sounds like a contemplative day at the beach enveloped with a sweet, pop-punk, indie vibe.
My favorite track “Skin” is absolute perfection. You can feel the anguish behind singer Maryn Jones’ loneliness as the first verse begins slow, suddenly picks up speed, and then comes to rest with a simple, honey-toned bass line filling in the silence. However, it’s the admission behind the chorus that I love. She sings “don’t you ever say / that I’m wrong cause I won’t take it / I will find a way / to justify my pain. / I will cry, I will lie, and I won’t be satisfied / I will cry, I will lie. I will lie.” The delivery behind the music and vocal melody is forceful and almost challenging. It’s an upfront declaration of just how far one will push the limits if tested. Enhanced by the drums and guitars, the vocals roar with such an amiable sweetness.
What I love more than the chorus is the mingling of vocals and guitar as it builds up to a climactic finish. With just a simple guitar melody and a bass note here and there, Jones starts the verse almost crooning “Just wanna feel skin / just want to let you in / but I am lost.” Then drummer Jesse Wither softly hits the snare with another simple beat using his cymbals to accent the lyrics. Simultaneously the drums and guitar increase their sound as Jones yells out “Just want you to know / that I love you so / but I am lost / I am lost.” I just love how long and loud Jones carries out that last note while the cymbals are clashing in the background.
If I had one complaint it would be that I was expecting rougher vocals as heard in previous recordings. This album is definitely more pop than punk but it stays true to its DIY, garage sound.
I will definitely say with the utmost clarity and certainty that this is a band you must see live. Don’t do yourself the disservice of missing out on their show this Friday at Beach Hut Deli. I discovered All Dogs last year at the Artistic Armory and it was such an ethereal experience. Their set is so compelling because they play their music loud and sincerely. It’s entrancing to watch because their instruments are truly a vehicle of expression and the emotions described in each song are universally felt.
Make sure you bring extra money this Friday so you can buy food and beer at Beach Hut and also donate to/buy merch from All Dogs. I’m so stoked to see one of my favorite bands live again but I’ll be more stoked to see all your faces at the show!
– Michelle Cardin
All Dogs play Vegas this Friday at Beach Hut Deli with Pleasure, Spring Time, Twin Cities and Hunter Gorman.
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