Caninus

The Profile

Caninus was an American grindcore band from New York City, notable for using two pit bulls (Basil and Budgie) as vocalists. Formed by members of Most Precious Blood, the project was active from 2001 to 2011 and released the album Now the Animals Have a Voice plus various split releases.

Self-described as “The World’s First Ever Animal-Fronted Band,” Caninus played grindcore with hardcore influences; on the reviewed album they used a drum machine and mixed the dogs’ sounds as the lead “vocals.” Members were linked to Most Precious Blood.

One review examines Caninus’s grindcore built around two pit bulls as vocalists. The idea is praised for originality, while the artistic value is questioned. Music is classic grindcore with hardcore influences; the drum machine and thin bass are criticized. The dogs’ “vocals” blend surprisingly well in the mix. Overall: a quirky divertissement earning a solid passing grade.