We have occasionally featured songs about dogs in NMC. One band, its name escapes me now, released a single in unadulterated praise of them three years ago and it turned out to be one of the most-read articles of the entire year.
And we regularly host another Swedish artist, Resmiranda, who once appeared on a TV show with a singing dog.
You’ll find all sorts here.
What we’ve never had before as far as I can remember, are drag artists.
Gothenburg-based Samuel Granholm (Samme Fatale) and Nino Aquilon (Nico Teen), who comprise Ängel, are responsible for ‘Dog Bark’, which “explores male aggression and draws inspiration from the bull terrier — a breed developed from bulldog and terrier stock. It was bred to be both fast and relentless, suited for vermin control and blood sports. The lyrics include a nod to the first modern bull terrier, Lord Gladiator” (which dates from 1917).
At the core of the song’s identity is resilience, refusing to be pushed around, no matter how loud someone barks.
It’s a mix of drag, post-punk and electronic dance music, with a nod to glam rock, and promoted as rave rock, which combines “the drama of rock with the pulse of the club.”
Stylistically it falls somewhere between Toyah, Poly Styrene and Joan Jett. It mysteriously stops at 2:34 just as you’re anticipating the final verse, and vocally I doubt it will be up for many prizes at the Swedish Grammys (sorry, Nino).
But it’s catchy, slightly edgy in the lyrics and the guitar parts range from heavy, fuzzy reverb to a jangly, melodic main riff and with a couple of neat little breaks.
And it was recorded to tape and they worked with analogue equipment, giving the song a funkier feel. Kudos to them for that.
I don’t think it was ever intended to be a ‘fun’ song, but that’s how it turned out in my book.
(Continues after the Spotify link).
The musicians:
Samuel Granholm – guitar
Nino Aquilon – vocals
Yosef Madar – bass, keys, drums
Find them on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angel__gbg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realangelgbg
Bandcamp: https://angelgbg.bandcamp.com/music
Photo: Ellen Ericsson.
