Dr Scardo // Dark Dog Days
Dr Scardo takes no prisoners when it comes to politics.
Dr Scardo – Dark Dog Days (Resonator Records)
Subtlety is not something you often find in politically-inclined bands, and Dr Scardo are no exception. Right out of the gate that sets up Dark Dog Days as an album that many people won’t need to even listen to in order to dislike. If you think Margaret Thatcher was a great prime minister who did What Needed To Be Done for Britain then this will not appeal to you, possibly no matter how big a fan of contemporary alternative rock you are.
If the political and social commentary isn't a problem then Simon Scardanelli's latest band project are definitely worth a listen. Funky bass lines, judicious use of synth and the occasional big chorus make for compelling listening. The songs edge a bit on the long side but at eight tracks the album delivers its message without labouring the point. Lyrics vary between incisive to overdone ("Costa not fucking coffee and Starsucks"… Starsucks? Really?) but are generally insightful or brutally honest.
While ‘Leave Us Alone’ and ‘End of the World’ make good singles, the most representative song is the nine-minute title track. The band lay down a groove over which Scardanelli delivers half-sung social commentary. It finishes with the gem "Thatcher’s ghostie stalks the corridors of power and she’s not even dead yet". Unfortunate timing, perhaps, but I don’t think Dr Scardo will mind too much.
8/10 Kieren
