Who? The laid-back Halifax outfit began as a Seth Smith (vocals/guitars) solo project dubbed Hi-Firey while Smith was playing in a band called The Burdocks. Burdocks bandmate Nancy Urich (bass/vocals) joined in before too long, and the pair released 2005’s Thank You EP. From there, Dog Day bided time with both a cassette-release split EP and the Oh Dead Life EP. Drummer KC Spindle and keyboardist Crystal Thili joined in from hardcore act The Hold, and the foursome released the Night Group long-player via Tomlab earlier this spring.
What’s the Deal? Night Group is a serious throwback to the Halifax/Windsor scene’s early ’90s heyday, when bands like Thrush Hermit, Super Friendz and Hardship Post populated the scene. Most songs float along dreamily, despite Spindle’s insane quick-lick drumming style. This is a more modern Halifax sound, though, punctuated by effortless gems like “End of the World” which echoes like Eric’s Trip covering Interpol. The title track is a keyboard-laden pogo dream, while “Sleeping, Waiting” feels like Lou Barlow smiling. Much like the drifting female doo doo’s that open “Oh Dead Life,” the band’s best quality is the lazy, lulling nature that initially blurs the tight songwriting.
Fun Fact: Unsatisfied with the album’s original mix, Smith flew to a German village and re-mixed Night Group in November 2006, sustaining himself on nothing but cheese, beer, and bread during the process.
Now Hear This:
Dog Day – “Oh Dead Life” STREAMING MP3
Now Watch This:
Dog Day – “Lydia”
On the Web:
Dog Day at MySpace
dogdaymusic.com
Talk: Can Night Group hold audience appeal for longer than a mere Dog Day afternoon?
Get a Free Digital Sampler from SPIN.com and Insound!
When you spend $25 at Insound.com, you can download a free sampler featuring tracks from Bright Eyes, Dungen, Dinosaur Jr., and many more! FIND OUT HOW >>
