Artist: DogState
Title: Warbaby
Type: EP
Label: Unsigned

Being the capitol of the nation, and populated by what seems at times like far too many people, it’s no wonder that London has so many bands, and for that matter, so many I’ve never heard of. DogState was one of those acts, or so I thought. As soon as I played the CD I realised that I’d heard their classic dirty sounds live before not too long ago when in a scrumpy hazed fog I’d said to myself, “must check these guys out” and then promptly forgotten. Firstly, apologies to the band, and secondly, apologies to my ears for keeping them from DogState’s excellent rock for so long!

The EP opens with ‘Colt’, and it’s instantly apparent that this is a tight act, doubtless honing their skills with much practice in the assorted sleazy rock bars of London. The tight rhythm section and hook laden riffs complement perfectly the front man Rich Garcia’s Ian Asterburyesque vocals, whilst Rich Groom’s solo sneers imperiously through the mix. This same quality continues through the EP’s title track ‘Warbaby’, the heavier ‘Never Enough’ with its anthemic middle section, and closer ‘I Fall’ with its gentler, more radio friendly opening.

Whilst it’s hard to judge a band on a single four track EP, DogState have set themselves a high standard to maintain. If they keep it up, no doubt they’ll be appearing regularly in classic rock press as a burgeoning new favourite.

http://www.myspace.com/dogstateband

Spenny Bullen

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