The Golden Dogs - Everything In 3 Parts
Ask any scenester or buzzbuilder what Canada’s next big thing will be -- chances are they’ll drop The Golden Dogs on you. Some may cite the band’s infectious, adrenaline-charged songs as the reason. Others may refer to the boundless energy of The Golden Dogs’ hyperactive leader, Dave Azzolini. Whatever the reason, The Golden Dogs have remained the most guarded weapon in Canada’s pop arsenal. You, dear reader, are
now in the know. Use this knowledge wisely.
Dave Azzolini writes The Golden Dogs’ songs -- compositions created from a palate dripping with McCartney-isms, odes to XTC and Elvis Costello, plus other cross-decade references too diverse for any retro tag. Besides singing lead vocals and playing guitar (as well as almost anything else he picks up), Azzolini also ricochets about a stage like a man possessed. Rock ‘n’ Roll matador? See for yourself.
The vivacious Jessica Grassia plays keyboards, sings vocals, and adds a refined counterpoint to Azzolini’s unbridled dynamism. Michael Chambers contributes guitar and vocals, and also serves as the band’s technical wizard and in-house recordist. Last but not least there is The Golden Dogs’ tasteful, versatile rhythm section, featuring Micah Goldstein on bass, and Beau Stocker drums. In sum: a band that can’t be pigeonholed by technique or influence.
The Golden Dogs’ debut full-length is unlike anything else currently passing through popular consciousness. Boasting powerful hooks arranged with formidable depth, Everything In 3 Parts presents a masterful blend of power-pop and fanciful freakiness. Layered with harmony and instrumentation, it is a product of obsessive recording, tweaking and love. A new wave of new wave.
The explosive first single, “Can’t Get Your Face Out of My Head” -- is an apt appetizer for the rest of the album. In fact, this hi-octane pop masterpiece - part Beatles, part Buzzcocks - serves as a fitting musical metaphor for Azzolini’s tireless live persona.
This track is just one doorway into The Golden Dogs’ kaleidoscopic, multi-faceted universe. Dig the incendiary, contagious “Yeah!” and “Birdsong.” Drift away with the intoxicating, dreamlike “Anniversary Waltz” and “I Don’t Sleep.” Shake to the tropical punk of “The Elevator
Man.” Revel in the eccentric bombast of “Big Boy.” Contemplate the mystery of “Balloons” and “Don’t Make A Sound.” Plunge into the snowballing excitement of “Faster,” “The Bastards” and “Driving In The Rain.” Each song is an exciting testament to the band’s stellar musicianship, and further underscores Azzolini’s engaging, oft-bizarre lyrical prowess.
Everything In 3 Parts is thus a seamless album, overflowing with pop-rock excellence.
uture with real optimism. "Yellowjacket feels like a new beginning," he says. "It's as if the elastic band has been pulled back and I'll be flying through
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