Dogs Die In Hot Cars
Man Bites Man E.P.
V2

The new hype out of Scotland, another group (mentioned along with Franz Ferdinand, who'd better watch their backs) looking back to the 1980s. Glasgow-based quintet Dogs Die In Hot Cars, fronted by Craig Macintosh, are in their early 20s. They put out their debut single (with ska-pop song "I Love You 'Cause I Have To", on Radiate) last autumn, the buzz'n'fuss was on and they were snapped up by and signed to the V2 label.

Man Bites Man E.P. is their first release for V2 Records. Produced by the 80s production team Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley (their CV is massive: Madness, the Teardrop Explodes, Elvis Costello, Dexy's Midnight Runners, David Bowie, Morrissey, Aztec Camera, Catatonia, ...), the 'title track' is a XTC-inspired (pre-Skylarking era - maybe around the "Ball & Chain" single, produced by, right, Langer & Winstanley) tune. A catcy and bouncy pop song, that sticks like glue, making your feet tap. On the flip-side (7" single) "The Queen of Pumpkin Plukes" (produced by Paul Tipler) is a more calmed down song, also sort of XTC-ish (post-Skylarking era). Colorful. And hummable.

There'll be another single (Godhopping) out later this month, before their debut album will be released in July. Dogs Die In Hot Cars (a animal friendly collective?) is a highly enjoyable new aquaintance. I look forward to hear a full album. It could be the perfect summer record of 2004.

Copyright © 2004 Håvard Oppøyen