Showing posts with label blank dogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blank dogs. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

EIC'S10Q'S w/Blank Dogs

"..Mr. Dogs focuses his attention on the "poppier" side of Lo-Fi Gothic New Wave music..I love the simplicity of a good arpeggiated keyboard sound mixed with a lingering synth backdrop. The guitar riffs could easily be mistaken for something you would hear on a Cure album from the mid 80's. From then on I am reminded of more of my favorite 80's New Wave acts like Fad Gadget, Gary Numan, etc.."


Blank Dogs
Abhorrent Neo-New Wave

Blank Dogs Bio:
Blank Dogs are actually singular: it's the insanely prolific one-man Brooklyn-based band of Mr. Blank Dog. We don't know too much about the biography of the guy behind the bedroom new-wave pop/punk and he's usually covering his face with masks or bedspreads, but that's fine. The aura of anonymity allows you to focus on the sounds -- and, really, he might be releasing a ton of things, but there's definitely a higher jam-to-crap ratio. It's like Joy Division vocal lines with The Cure's synth and guitar melodies filtered through ancient submerged keyboards and eroded recording equipment. And that voice? All the feedback in the world can't hide his knack for melody.



Hello, how are you?
On tour, trying not to complain.

What are you currently listening to?
Chrisma "Hibernation"

Where does the band name come from?
100% Random.

Did you listen to a lot of Industrial and/or New Wave music growing up?
Tons.

Love the new EP. Why did you title it “Phrases”?
I just liked the way the word looked.

It seems like you really stepped up the overall production on it, do you feel this is the “future” of your music?
Wasn't really a conscious decision, it just kind of evolved that way.

What’s the strangest thing you have ever witnessed at a live show?

Well, most people who do "strange" things at shows are just morons seeking attention. If it's done on purpose, it's not really strange.

What’s a band that deserves more attention than what they are currently getting?
Hmmm, Grass Widow, maybe? Electric Bunnies...

You can only keep/listen to ONE album for the rest of your life ..which album would it be?
I'd probably pick something awful or boring, like sound effects, otherwise if you had to listen to one album you actually liked for the rest of your life you would hate it, no? I'd rather have the memory of liking it than the monotony of it everyday.

Are you living your dream?
No, I never really had any distinct aspirations. Things are ok, though.

Thanx Mike!

Blank Dogs are currently working on the follow up to "Phrases", if it's half as good it'll blow your ears off (that's a good thing)...

Monday, April 12, 2010

REVIEW: Blank Dogs - Phrases

7.5 out of 10

"Phrases" is the latest offering from Brooklyn native Mike Sniper (Blank Dogs). Much like his previous releases Mr. Dogs focuses his attention on the "poppier" side of Lo-Fi Gothic New Wave music. The main difference between this release and any of the past Blank Dogs releases is the amount of attention put towards the production. Much like Cold Cave did with their debut LP, the "vintage charm" remains, but the production/overall song compositions sound way more plotted and a tad more "user friendly". In other-words, yes, "Phrases" is (in my opinion) Blank Dogs strongest release to date and an exciting peek into the constantly evolving world of underground Lo-Fi Gothic/Industrial/New Wave music that has become oh-so popular.

I have to be admit, I was pretty excited to hear this EP based off of the free single that surfaced a little bit ago. However, I had no idea I would like it as much as I do. The first track, the single, is a great reminder of where all catchy Gothic Dance bands get their start. I love the simplicity of a good arpeggiated keyboard sound mixed with a lingering synth backdrop. The second track has a guitar riff that could easily be mistaken for something you would hear on a Cure album from the mid 80's. From then on I am reminded of more of my favorite 80's New Wave acts like Fad Gadget, Gary Numan, etc. The guitar work isn't "revolutionary", but that's what I like about it, simplicity always keeps my head bobbing easier. Also, I should mention the vocals; they sound way better + you can actually make out lyrics this time around. "Clarity" is the best word to describe Blank Dogs new/refurbished sound. Any fan of Gothic/New Wave music will/should fall in-love with the sounds presented on "Phrases". May the movement keep moving forward..

I like this release, and I hope you do too. Fans of Cold Cave and/or Silk Flowers or New Wave music in general make sure to check into this release post-haste (even if you didn't care for previous Blank Dogs releases). Recommended.

Standout Tracks: Heat And Depression, Blurred Tonight, End Of Summer (a good song to do the robot to)