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Album Review : Dogshite drop brand new album on Grow Your Own Records

London Anarcho/Ska-punks say it like it is on 'Violation' LP!

It’s been a while since Dogshite released a new recording… Their last album ‘Mass Deception‘ was also released on Grow Your Own Records and sold out in no time. ‘Violation‘ threatens the same fate, so best not to snooze! Dogshite are based in the big smoke and have been peddling their own form of Anarcho-punk rock for quite some time now. They are also known to inject a little Ska into their tunes, which gives their gigs a danceable and party-like atmosphere. They feature at least one member of 90’s festival legends, Back To The Planet, and their bassist, Chris, is also a world renowned DJ (aka Chris Liberator).

Dogshite are:
Carmel Reynolds-Knowles (vocals)
Guy Mcaffer (guitar/backing vocals)
Johnny H Pook (bass/backing vocals)
Chris Knowles (guitar/backing vocals)
Ren Reynolds (drums/backing vocals)
with Cillian Reynolds (vocal and backing vocals on ‘Proud Parent‘)
 
What does the new album sound like, I hear you cry? Well, I’ll do my best to tell you…
Dogshite in Hastings - photo by Sonny Tyler
Dogshite in Hastings - photo by Sonny Tyler

Track one comes straight out of the gates running, in the form of a song called ‘Breakout‘ (No, it’s not a Swing Out Sister cover!). It’s a tuneful and melodic punk song, and Carmel’s vocals come across loud and clear. Her vocal style reminds me of the late great Polystyrene too, which is, of course, a good thing. “Society has ceased to function,. Our culture is all broken and confused,” they sing.

Fuck You Rudeboy‘ has become a bit of a live staple in a Dogshite set, and it’s easy to see why. It is Ska-punk at its finest and will be sure to get your feet moving on the dancefloor. This song is also a bit of a feminist anthem for the band, and a damn fine one at that. “I’m the switchblade, not the sweet flower.”

Veins‘ is up next, with its mid-tempo guitar and drums giving it a post-punk feel, completed by distorted vocals that are almost mantra-like at times. ‘Human Beings‘ is an old school punk song with a dual female/male vocal trade off. It also reminds me of Anarcho-punk legends Hagar The Womb in its melody; and they just so happens to be Chris’s previous band. ‘Made Me‘ has a slow drum intro and this moody number gets atmospheric with guitars that sound almost like Bauhaus. “Deep, Dark, Dirty, is what you fuckin’ made me!” Carmel shouts.

Dogshite - Carmel Reynolds-Knowles - photo by Sonny Tyler

Proud Parent‘ is a fun song, introduced by a child wondering whether the band’s name may have held them back. I suppose it’s not a name you would’ve seen on Top Of The Pops, that’s for certain. This song is a speedier one about the joys of parenting, and, of course, it’s not something to be ashamed about. ‘Hotter‘ is an album highlight for me, and for this tune, the Ska dial gets turned up to the max. “Things are getting hotter in the streets”, they say, “Things are gonna pop.” Dogshite are quite rightly predicting an uprising as tensions rise on our streets. A timely subject, accompanied by a 2-Tone tune, that will be sure to get your feet twitching to the rocksteady beat. 

We are now getting close to the end of the album, but not before being treated to a song called, ‘Fuck Me, I’m Fucked‘, which is another old school punk song about getting off your nut. ‘Violation‘ ends with a fast song named, ‘Slave To Age‘, which is an ode to getting older.
 
This 9-track album comes on limited black vinyl with a Crass- style fold-out cover. It also can be yours on CD or digital download. This is an enjoyable release for all those punk rockers, ska fans and festy heads out there – grab your copy HERE
  1. Breakout
  2. Fuck You Rudeboy
  3. Veins
  4. Human Beings
  5. Made Me
  6. Proud Parent
  7. Hotter
  8. Fuck Me, I’m Fucked
  9. Slave To Age
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