Album Review by Natalie Homer
When it comes to loud, fast and dare I say, toxic rock n’roll – hard rockers can rely on London-based (as hard as they come) rock band, DOGSTATE to deliver by the monsta-truck load. From the melancholic beseeching of opening track NEVER ENOUGH to the raging onslaught of mid album tune GALLOWS, everything at some point or other offers a serving of face- ripping snare/tom/cymbal insanity, powered by Wayne Casserly and autobahn speed guitar, deftly handled by Rich Groom. Classic rock trademarks come through loud and clear on BLACK 13 and I FALL – especially I FALL (LED ZEPPELIN would be proud). A nip of whisky warm slide-y guitar entices you into PWGG while the humble harmonica opens the saloon doors to SOUTHERN SONG before cannonballing onto your senses with the force of a very large man in hobnail boots. The bass, played by Paul Garcia steals the show on COLT – a firm favourite for this reviewer – with it twangy raunchiness. And all carried by the vocal timbre of lead singer Richard Garcia – reminiscent of THE CULT’S IAN ASTBURY. LET IT LOOSE (out on Road to Ruin/Cargo Records) is all in all a darn fine rock album and testament to a lifetime of passion for the genre.
