Originally known as Fire For Glory, this pop punk band had been hitting the Auckland circuit for more than a decade, before deciding last year it was time for a reset showing how much they had grown as band, taking their new name from one of their live favourites. I have been fortunate enough to have not only seen them in their previous incarnation, but also quite a few times as Stray Dogs, the most recent being just a few weeks ago at Crushfest. Comprising singer Josh Pinho, guitarist Cam Brookes, bassist Steve Shyu, and drummer Grant Kirkpatrick, they are a band who always have fun onstage, enjoying playing music with their mates, and it really comes across at their shows. Grant and Steve keep it locked in to provide the foundation for Cam to riff like a good ‘un, and then we have Josh who is not only is a great singer but is the consummate frontman. But how would this transfer to the studio?

I need not have worried as what we have here is a pop punk emo number which is an absolute belter yet is also highly commercial. The beginning is phased in, and then we are off into a song which dares people not to bounce up and down as it has that drive which makes one want to move. What is interesting, and something I had not noticed when hearing this live, is that the song is made up of multiple sections and never stops moving yet manages this all in under three minutes, so it is perfect for the radio. Grant is the only consistent as Cam may drop away, as may Steve, and this allows the song to really flow and build. It is incredibly catchy, commercial, and downright fun, accurately capturing what these guys are like when they play. Signed to AAA, home of the likes of Troy Kingi and Lee Martin, let us hope they get the acclaim they so richly deserve.

Rating: 8/10

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