Dog Fashion Disco
Committed To A Bright Future

THE REVIEW

Dog Fashion Disco is a highly underrated band.

While they have achieved moderate success in the United States, here in Europe, despite favorable criticism (and the undeniable quality of their offering), they struggle to gain visibility. And it's a shame.
It really is a shame because bands like Dog Fashion Disco are rare. Their music is constantly categorized under "Crossover" (understood as a mix of multiple genres), and indeed, it can't be otherwise, given how varied their repertoire is.

The presentation of the album (their second career release) says it all: the cover depicts a sparkling and shiny toilet, while the album title is "Committed To A Bright Future." The irony is precisely the weapon of DFD, a boldness that allows them to produce a mix of sounds (and colors) that is genuinely enjoyable and original, like few others can deliver.

Right from the opening track, "Love Songs For A Witch", DFD presents itself in great form: it starts with a Thrash Metal borderline attack of great impact (it's been a while since I've heard such a well-crafted riff), to which skewed brass is then added. The song continues between grotesque parts and metallic bursts, completed by a truly catchy chorus. "Rapist Eyes" is a song that moves you, tossing the listener between violent sections and a chorus with a strong melodic flavor, then ending with a slow and melancholic piano piece. In short, it's a song that stays in your heart. The album proceeds quickly; the group's formula remains alternating Hardcore, Metal, Oriental melodies, and finally, a good dose of bouncy fairground music, so dear to the great Mr. Bungle. And here is the first (and only) demerit note: at times, it becomes too clear how the group draws inspiration from the great Mike Patton's work. Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that, despite not being the pioneers of the genre, DFD does it really well, especially Todd Smith, the singer, who switches from a crazy Patton-style voice to screaming with great ease (and what a scream!), in addition to having excellent melodic taste.

By the middle of the album, the listener might even feel satisfied with the purchase. Big mistake, don’t fall for it! These five rascals can deliver pearls of violence and madness at the end of the album, like "Pogo the Clown" or "Castaway". In particular, "The Acid Memoirs" is nothing more than the story of Smith's first acid trip at the tender age of sixteen (will it be true?). Anything goes: talking dogs, mysterious men saying nonsense, the protagonist losing self-awareness... a true sonic chaos, interspersed with Hardcore bursts like those unheard for a long time. Finally "The Magical Band Of Fools" concludes a noteworthy work, which unfortunately (maybe because the genre is not accessible to everyone, maybe due to insufficient promotion), did not receive the success it deserves.

So, if you don’t want to be mainly responsible for the fall of DFD from artists to toilet cleaners, give this little masterpiece a chance, you won't be disappointed!