Nervous Dogs
Follow up release to the widely accepted self-released "Avenida Sevilla" 7". Still features the original line-up of Patrick Quinney (Fiya / Holopaw) his twin brother Ryan (Fiya / Reactionary 3), and not- so-third-wheel Dave Drobach (Grabass Charlestons / Stressface). This time the trio bark and howl their way through five tracks, tackling issues such as mystery, wildfires, loss, and anticipation. Fans of the No Idea compilation LP #1 Reason to Move To Gainesville will be sure to recognize the track from this session. Recorded comfortably in Lenny Rutland's beachy St. Augustine home (Jammy Dodgers also recorded there). Download coupons included for the digitally curious.
It’s been noted that the Nervous Dogs do not actually cohabitate with
canines. Judging from their lyrics we know that at least one of them
cares for a cat, but as for sharing space with dogs we have no
empirical evidence. Regardless of a name which some may see as a
pose or as misleading, the Nervous Dogs’ lack of animal “ownership” in
no way detracts from their street cred. If anything this refusal to
enter into stratified relations with our four-legged brethren suggests
reverence and respect toward canine autonomy.
Factoid—this band kind of rules. I’m usually cautious making such
claims, but in this case I have no qualms with such an assertion. My
hypothesis formed back in ’06, during the authentic, pre-corporatized
days of what has commonly come to be known as punk rock. A grassroots
form of expression it was back then. But when Myspace came into
prominence after the collapse of Friendster and the waning pen-pal
movement, it threatened to swallow up any sort of music daring to
assert itself as truly independent. A few foolhardy bands thought
they could make do without being umbilically attached to a USB cable,
and of these, the Nervous Dogs were one.
In spite of their glaring lack of web-based representation, I decided
to go to see the Nervous Dogs play at the Wacky Warehouse during the
winter of '06. After a great show I bought a copy of the “Avenida
Sevilla” 7” and spent some time talking to Patrick. (Patrick is one
of two brothers—the other being Ryan—who along with Replay Dave make
up this band. In all, these three have been involved with some great
bands including Grabass Charlestons, Fiya, Slang, Holopaw, Stressface,
and Reactionary 3) The next day, I put on the record and was blown
away. The songs were straightforward and didn’t seem bound to a
certain time period, yet what really set them apart for me was the
honesty and introspective nature of the songs. The “Avenida Sevilla”
record didn’t leave my turntable for weeks, claiming its spot
alongside the Future Virgins’ “Gravity” as my favorite releases of the
year—incidentally, the connection between these two bands extends
beyond their capacities for great music; they shared a tour together
and a split-tape release on PRcubed.
Now that Bakery is involved with a Nervous Dogs project, Rich and I
are very happy. The “Great Doors” ep has songs about child-sized vs.
adult perspectives, time passing, and the cycles of nature—most of it
within the context of our beloved state of Florida. Excellent songs
by an excellent band which refuses to prove itself through the
hierarchies of the internet or pet-ownership. Enjoy.
--Lenny
Discography
 |
Great Doors
7" Released Spring 2009 |
See Also
Grabass Charlestons
Fiya
Holopaw
Reactionary 3
Children's Children
Slang
Wild Assumptions
Stressface
The Ham
The Lexingtons |