I first stumbled on LA outfit Why Dogs Why when they released a cover compilation last Summer. That compilation is informative of where the band finds its inspiration: pop punk (Green Day, My Chemical Romance, and Blink 182), altpop/indie rock (Violent Femmes, Grandaddy) and power pop (The Cars, Rooney). Their new record Better Dog In Show features nine songs that would not have looked out of place in the ’00s indie rock universe. Why Dogs Why particular remind me of bands from that era with a playful approach. Bands like The Spinto Band, Pete and The Pirates, Bishop Allen and Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin, although admittedly Why Dogs Why has a bit more oomph than the average song of said bands.
It’s not just the music that makes Better Dog In Show such a likeable record. The lyrics are worth checking out as well. My favorite is the post-apocalyptic sad banger Reflections In Mud (“And now i’ve got some things that belong to someone else, but they’re dead. I guess i’d say i’m coping but i’m also far from content. And now i’ve got a place to live by myself, but everyone’s dead. I guess i’d say i’m coping but i’m also far from content.”). Better Dog In Show is out now.
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