New Music Revue: The Golden Dogs are a beautiful mess

Arts February 18, 2015

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The Golden Dogs
3 1/2
(Independent)
3.5/5

For 3 1/2, their fourth studio release, Toronto-based The Golden Dogs’ original dynamic duo of Dave Azzolini and Jessica Grassia, along with new blood Alejandro Cairncross and Stefanie McCarrol, give a fresh take on some familiar sounds.

The dynamic, multi-genre album opens to a straight, funky bass line with its first track “Decided,” and hits its stride with “Pretending,” which stands out as a pseudo-homage to Elton John’s charisma in “Bennie and the Jets.”

Each track is unique as the group weaves its way through bygone eras, boldly experimenting with well-defined styles.

The result is a well-balanced, beautiful mess of upbeat energy that begs to be seen live.

But, as with all things familiar, 3 1/2 bodes well for one enthusiastic, reminiscing run-through and when finished can be returned to the shelf to be forgotten for a time with the other fondly-thought-of memorabilia.