DOGS return in 2006 with an undeniably huge and powerful statement of intent: their new single ‘Soldier On’. The boys have moved to an indie label and relish the freedom it has given them: they’ve designed their own artwork, shot their own video and written one of the best songs of their career. “The track, for me, is about getting on with it - being alive can be a bit of grief sometimes. I'm not talking about the Army or anything, it’s a positive message, a raised glass to everyone with a headache” says DOGS singer Johnny Cooke. The track was laid down in their friend Paul Weller’s Black Barn studio in Woking amongst his iconic Jam-era guitars. With it’s martial guitar rhythm and pounding metallic bass you can see the DOGS faithful losing their heads to this one’s live power. It swaggers and barks but it’s got joy and pain wrapped up in Johnny’s hot-blooded vocals. With an absolutely gargantuan, swirling military snare-roll breakdown, it is fierce and affecting at the same time. These inspired outsiders haven’t compromised their sound a millimetre on their comeback single - something which will delight the ranks of kids that live with their music as a soundtrack. Telling a rare romantic London story Cooke’s lyrics are amongst his best: “sit her in the back row/ tell her what I know/ listen to her whispers/ share her shadow”. DOGS are surely one of the great British guitar bands out there, transcending scenes and this week’s trend. ‘Soldier On’ is a taster for the massive album due for release next year, their second assault on the hearts and minds of the nation. Make sure your ears are pricked up!

Dogs:

Johnny - vocals, Rikki - lead guitar, Rich - drums, Dunc - bass, Luc - rhythm guitar and backing vocals