Since the wind down of their last album, the critically acclaimed ‘BIG EYE LITTLE EYE’, the Golden Dogs found themselves somewhat directionless and the question began looming: “What now?” While there are always songs brewing on lead man Dave Azzolini’s hot plate, the idea of going straight into recording another album wasn’t an attractive one. They needed a break from being Golden Dogs.
Without trying to force movement into the intimidating ‘next album’ phase, Azzolini and wife/bandmate Jessica Grassia, began spending more time hanging at a little garage studio space on Toronto’s east side, the stomping grounds of their good friends Carlin Nicholson & Mike O’Brien, now known as Zeus. The spirit was described by Azzolini : “It was very much a ‘best idea wins’ situation and the songwriter always had final veto power. It made for a very comfortable environment to make music. It was just musicians getting together to bounce ideas off each other….this was a great time to forget about being in a band, and to just get back to playing music for it’s own sake, with a group of friends riding the same wave and just soaking in the energy of the studio.”
Grassia looks fondly back at the first moments of the new album’s conception: “After Carlin and Mike recorded what were to be the first Zeus songs, they asked us if we had any thing …
Since the wind down of their last album, the critically acclaimed ‘BIG EYE LITTLE EYE’, the Golden Dogs found themselves somewhat directionless and the question began looming: “What now?” While there are always songs brewing on lead man Dave Azzolini’s hot plate, the idea of going straight into recording another album wasn’t an attractive one. They needed a break from being Golden Dogs.
Without trying to force movement into the intimidating ‘next album’ phase, Azzolini and wife/bandmate Jessica Grassia, began spending more time hanging at a little garage studio space on Toronto’s east side, the stomping grounds of their good friends Carlin Nicholson & Mike O’Brien, now known as Zeus. The spirit was described by Azzolini : “It was very much a ‘best idea wins’ situation and the songwriter always had final veto power. It made for a very comfortable environment to make music. It was just musicians getting together to bounce ideas off each other….this was a great time to forget about being in a band, and to just get back to playing music for it’s own sake, with a group of friends riding the same wave and just soaking in the energy of the studio.”
Grassia looks fondly back at the first moments of the new album’s conception: “After Carlin and Mike recorded what were to be the first Zeus songs, they asked us if we had any thing we wanted to lay down”, recalls Grassia, “that was the day we recorded LESTER, which was really just a simple demo up to that moment. It happened really fast. I played drums, Dave & Mike played guitars, Carlin played bass and then we recorded the vocals. It was a magical day. Days like that are what make me feel that everything is right where it should be.” The next week the group tracked the darkly dreamy 'UNDERWATER GOLDMINE'(think Goonies on heroin). It was performed by the same players but sitting at different instruments. Soon after those initial recordings, the realization that they were onto the greatest trip of their career so far hit them with a vengence. They had stumbled upon the means to make the record they’ve always wanted to make with the eager help of their friends and musical allies. They were ready to be Golden Dogs again. Over the course of 2009, the band tirelessly devoted their waking moments breathing life into their third and latest studio effort. ‘Coat of Arms’ brilliantly displays the musical union Azzolini, Grassia, and longtime drummer Taylor Knox have found with each other, and the band seems to be more confidant and commanding than ever before. Listen to the indie- hip-pop- meets-Pixies screamer ‘PERMANENT RECORD’ and hear the band’s muscle and dexterity, especially on the part of Taylor Knox who, after 5 years of holding down the backbeat, is stronger and more furious than ever. “We actually recorded that song live off the floor…drums, piano, guitar and bass were all played together live…it took us a few takes, but we got one we were really happy with.” Grassia reminisces, “Taylor is a rock and roll machine.” The band is united at every twist and turn through this twelve song journey and leaves the listener breathless and salivating for another ride.
On the surface of their current record (about which Grassia and Azzolini say is their best work), one can easily hear the classic ‘Golden Dog’ sound and feel the familiar frantic rockin’ and reelin’ that has always been their calling card. Yet, repeated listens reveal layer after layer of brilliantly crafted pop magic and one senses that there is more bubbling brightly beneath the surface. There is growth here in leaps and bounds. These dogs fall back on no old tricks or party pleasers. ‘Coat of Arms’ has a depth and cunning that stands alongside the output any of the bands’ favorite contemporaries and places Azzolini in league with the world’s best pop writers. It is intelligent and raucous pop music that shatters the confines of demographics and territory. This music is for everyone, anywhere, anytime. And you should listen loud….really loud.
**The current incarnation of the band’s stellar live line up includes Jimmy Robertson (Small Sins, The Carnations, Boy, The Eye-Spies) on guitar and Jay McCarrol (Nirvana The Band The Show) on bass. The coming months will see a flurry of activity for the band, so keep an eye and ear out for announced shows.**
Beatles/ Wings/ Plastic Ono Band, The Zombies/ Beach Boys, T. Rex / Ronettes, Spoon / XTC / Elvis Costello, Harry Nilsson/ Walkmen, Tom Waits / Screamin' Jay, Pixies / Ween, Neil Young / Wilco / Faces, New Pornographers / Chrome Yellow Co., Zeus / Ishmaels / Bahamas / Danielle Duval
