Meeting up with Goan Dogs in the heart of Stokes Croft, Bristol is suitably apt. Despite frequent comparisons to desert imagery in their reviews and a clear influence from American genres – the exact opposite of the increasingly damp South Western climate – the five-piece have progressed with the same ferocious determination as the arts scene here.
Since releasing their debut EP last July, the guys have noticed a dramatic increase in participants at their gigs, despite feeling they need to “up” their presence on the live scene. As guitarist Theo explains, Goan Dogs are starting to see unfamiliar faces in the crowd, hinting at a growing popularity that’s bound to be confirmed this year. It’s a draw that others have noticed too, gaining the band press far and wide.
For this writer at least, Goan Dogs’ existence became apparent when they supported Kyla La Grange at the Louisiana’s Created by Lyle and Scott gig. Documented by Channel 4, it’s had a national impact too, and the band are as keen to maximise on the exposure in London as they are locally.
Their formation is bound up in time, circumstances and long running friendships: Luke St Leger and Dan Lane met at school, but didn’t consider the scope of their existing social circle until they advertised for band mates. Sixth form friend Theo Mackie soon joined the band, followed by Bill Sherwood and Sam Kynan Powell, who’s missing tonight thanks to a trip to America (lucky bugger).
The spaghetti western similarities are no mistake; the resounding atmosphere of western movies is something that’s influenced Goan Dogs from the start, coupled with an unrestrained desire to play every instrument available to them. Though they readily admit Sam is the multi-instrumentalist, there’s a medley of talent within their folds – from Theo, who produced their debut video “Hold Me Back”, to an encompassing love for percussion.
The result is music as structured and accomplished as it is wild and foreboding – though the fact they have five vocals sometimes scuppers a sound engineer’s best attempts, it’s a style that translates to the stage extraordinarily well. It’s also something they’re keen to demonstrate in their videos, with a bunch of projects coming up (including a video for forthcoming single “Better Off Dead” and their personalised Basement Sessions, available to view below).
What else of the future? Alongside the aforementioned single, Goan Dogs will release their second EP this summer, backed by countless gigs including a support slot with The Hanson Family on May 23rd.
