It has already been 2 years since the industrious STREET DOGS released their last album. I almost missed the current release, but just barely.
The last album “State of Grace” was already enjoyable and served as my entry into the world of STREET DOGS. It was not bad music, and the band had something to say politically.
Curiously, I placed the new self-titled album into my CD player. What came out of the speakers surprised me a bit, but it immediately caught my ear and made me check if I had indeed inserted the new record by STREET DOGS. I had.
The STREET DOGS have significantly evolved their style; one could even say they have (almost) completely changed it. The 18 songs on their fifth album come across as very melodic, extremely catchy, and some songs have a distinct Celtic-Punk flair. Perhaps this is because singer Mike McColgan, who was the vocalist for Dropkick Murphys in the first two years, has revived his roots. Maybe it’s also because the band wants a piece of the pie that bands like The Real McKenzies, Dropkick Murphys, or Flogging Molly are sharing among themselves. Or perhaps they just really enjoy this music. Whatever the case, they truly deliver the sound excellently. Their political and socially critical stance has also not changed. Why shouldn’t one embrace this album with open arms?
After multiple listens, I must satisfyingly conclude that, in my opinion, it is one of the band’s best albums. 18 songs that almost all hit hard and make you want to press the “Play” button over and over again.
The self-titled album is different, but good, and I warmly recommend it to every punk rocker.
