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Review: Jack Foley
FIFE’S Dogs Die in Hot Cars were the talk of the town following
the release of their single, I Love You Cause I Have To,
last year, before seemingly fading from the scene amid a host
of other bands of a similar disposition.
The sparky track was instantly catchy, and possessed a feel-good
vibe not usually associated with Scottish bands, drawing comparisons
with the edgy, immediate style of Hot Hot Heat and co. But, curiously,
it has recently been re-released to pave the way for the album.
Let’s hope that it catches on this time, for in Please
Describe Yourself, the five-piece have delivered one of the quirky,
indie-pop records of the year; an album which bristles with energy
from first track to last, and which contains enough variation
to escape the novelty tag that was initially bestowed upon them.
From the punchy melodies of opening track, Godhopping,
through to live favourite, Paul Newman’s Eyes,
the long-player consistently entertains, forcing you to take notice
with the arrival of each new track.
It is a credit to Dogs Die in Hot Cars that they do not lapse
into any one style, littering proceedings with several changes
of pace, and emerging victorious as a result.
The band has been likened to everyone from The Proclaimers and
Talking Heads, through to Madness and Dexy’s Midnight Runners,
yet there is also a hint of the breezy indie-pop sensibility of
The La’s and Graham Coxon in many of the mischievous lyrics
and acoustic guitar riffs.
Celebrity Sanctum, for instance, is a cheeky journey
through the female stars of the moment, from Angelina Jolie and
Catherine Zeta-Jones to Lucy Liu, while Lounger could
become the new anthem for the slacker generation, courtesy of
lyrics such as (I get up when I like/Wear anything I like/Don’t
keep up with the cool/Make up my own rules).
Both tracks contain the sort of mesmerising guitar riffs that
provoke memories of the sunshine style of the Chili Peppers (whom
the band cite as influences), while Modern Woman is one
of several tracks that effortlessly place a smile on your face,
and get your head nodding in fond appreciation.
In truth, I Love You Cause I Have To is probably one
of the weaker tracks on the album, probably because of its over-familiarity,
but it still provides the listener with a taste of what to expect
in terms of its relentlessly chirpy tone.
Yet, with tracks as good as Paul Newman’s Eyes and
Apples and Oranges to look forward to, listeners would
do well to ensure that this album doesn’t pass them by.
It has all the hallmarks of a modern classic.
And with that in mind, we love them cause we want to!
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Track listing:
1. Godhopping
2. Lounger
3. I Love you ‘Cause I Have to
4. Celebrity Sanctum
5. Somewhat off the Way
6. Apples and Oranges
7. Modern Woman
8. Paul Newman’s Eyes
9. Pastimes and Lifestyles
10. Glimpse at the Good Life
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