Dogs Die In Hot Cars - 'Please Describe Yourself' (V2)
4/5
By: Adie Nunn
Scouring the frequently scary land of the 'internet message-board', this correspondent saw one writer bark (no pun intended), 'How can a band which look and sound like that be getting so much attention?' In an ever-conformist music-industry looking for the Next Big Thing, it's no wonder the poor boy was left shocked and traumatised when Dogs Die In Hot Cars signed to Richard Branson's V2 label. While it seems the band take their cues from British pop eccentrics of the past, this merry bunch of uncool outsiders with a silly name really don't sound like anyone else around at the moment.
That's not the only reason their 10-track debut is so f**king good. 'Please Describe Yourself' is a stunning showcase of harmless, shameless indie-pop not seen since that other Scots maverick Roddy Frame crafted 'High Land, Hard Rain', and much like the aforementioned Aztec Camera debut, if it seems like it's all over in the blink of an eye, it's because DDIHC's record is altogether too short.
But in that precious space of time you've got singer Craig Macintosh's split personality on the layabout anthem 'Lounger', the Fleetwood Mac-esque (no, really) 'Apples And Oranges', and the stupidly brilliant and slightly cranky 'Paul Newman's Eyes', which keeps threatening to break into a country hoedown. And thankfully, you've also got previous b-sides, supermodel/actress shag-list 'Celebrity Sanctum' - surely bound for a single in its own right this time - and the mournful 'Somewhat Off The Way', proving that they're not all about jaunty, quirky beats.
Those quirky beats are downright infectious though when they appear. The incredible piano introduction of 'Godhopping' is the one which prepares you for the ride - a high point not slowed until the final bars of the Madness-style ska-pop of 'I Love You 'Cause I Have To', the re-recording of which really gleams from the production-duties of legendary duo Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley.
Evidently, the band's young ringleader and potential songwriting genius Craig knows a thing or two about how to write a tune. Pettily, the only reservations are the ones they left off; where for art thou 'Chinese Girl' and 'Man Bites Man'?
Artists in this article: Dogs Die In Hot Cars
Your Feedback
Login to post your comment