Singles

Dog Is Dead - Glockenspiel Song

Sam Lee 14/06/2010

Rating: 4/5

I'm not entirely sure why so many artists seem to enjoy opening songs with the sound of children playing. Roots Manuva did it, MGMT did it, Gary Glitter did - well, something similar - and now Nottingham five-piece Dog Is Dead have done it. However questionable it may be, though, strangely enough it often results in a cracking tune - and Dog Is Dead's debut single 'Glockenspiel Song' is no exception.

The track opens with a simple beat, before an infectious and slightly twee riff comes in, bringing with it flavours of Los Campesinos or even Hot Club de Paris, while sitting perfectly alongside a subtle but intelligent bass line, which keeps things interesting and emphasises the soaring group harmonies. While all this is going on, the glockenspiel ('Glockenspiel Song' - see the link?) and saxophone quietly add an extra dimension to the song. Yep, that's right, there's a big ol' slice of sax in this song, but its tactful usage means that its not just a Mystery Jets-esque 80's pastiche, but actually sounds as though it belongs in the track, completely at home amongst all the other instruments. The song builds and builds until it reaches its climax, during which the band chants "We are a mess! We are failures! And we love it!" Are they a mess? Possibly. Failures? Definitely not. Do we love it? Abso-flippin'-lutely!

Release Date: Out Now

Dog Is Dead - Glockenspiel Song from P D Banks on Vimeo.