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Dogwood is relentless punk rock machinery, bent on dismantling a poorly constructed hierarchy of radio friendly faux-punk currently
dominating mindsets and play-lists. They’ve been around long enough, eight years, to see commercialism and the contrived bring tragedy to
a scene whose trademark was once identified by purity and ideal. Even inter-personal tales of loss and struggle have become wrought with
cliché and formulaic tear-jerking. It’s in this cultural environment that Dogwood’s sincerity and credibility make most obvious the standard by
which punk should be measured.
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Dogwood is relentless punk rock machinery, bent on dismantling a poorly constructed hierarchy of radio friendly faux-punk currently
dominating mindsets and play-lists. They’ve been around long enough, eight years, to see commercialism and the contrived bring tragedy to
a scene whose trademark was once identified by purity and ideal. Even inter-personal tales of loss and struggle have become wrought with
cliché and formulaic tear-jerking. It’s in this cultural environment that Dogwood’s sincerity and credibility make most obvious the standard by
which punk should be measured.
Dogwood’s newest installment of bare-knuckled, heart-wrenching punk rock is a rude awakening for a generation of kids buying Black Flag
tee-shirts at the mall and a joyous affirmation for their fans that there is, in fact, still a remnant of blue-collar punk, born out of sheer
necessity and love. Honest and poignant, “Seismic” is a bare-all exploration of relationships and spirituality, accompanied by Dogwood’s
perfected machine gun delivery and blistering precision. Metronome synergy between all parties yields an unbelievably melodic and raucous
backdrop for heart-breaking, bridge burning and anthems of farewell.
“Division of my own self leaves me wondering what I’ve become.” Utilizing poetic irony and a crushing, unforgettable melody, “Conscience In
A Cave” is quintessential Dogwood, and simultaneously a look forward to what the band has in store for the future. Slowing things down gives
the band a chance to showcase their sheer force and give the listener a little more time to absorb the lyrical barrage. Proverbial wisdom
weaves throughout “Seismic” with songs like “Your Tongue is the Deadliest of Arrows” accompanied with dance floor beats and post-metal
riffage. Perhaps the most striking is the title track, featuring gang vocals, a mid-tempo barrage and the sobering reminder, “We learn to
sacrifice / we learn to take a life / w e take and we don’t give / live how we want to live / and no one wants to lie / and we all have to lie /
relax, then die.”
Dogwood continues to be make themselves and others vulnerable by turning a mirror of self-examination upon themselves and,
consequently, anyone who turns a listening ear. “Seismic”, produced by former guitarist Sean O’Donnell, takes the old school to college, and
is their smartest, most sonically astounding, mixed by Ryan Greene (NOFX, Lagwagon, No Use For A Name); and dynamically ranging record
they have released to date. « hide |
Similar Bands: Slick Shoes, Ghoti Hook, Hangnail, Squad Five-O, Craig's Brother Contributors: mttgry, Observer,
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