Street Dogs - Savin Hill

If you've heard Street Dogs, you may have recognized the voice of Mike McColgan---he formerly did vocal duties for the Dropkick Murphys before leaving the band to pursue a career as a Boston firefighter. Though his previous band might always be his more famous work, I think Street Dogs is a much better band. Savin Hill serves up a batch of 15 oi!-influenced pop punk, definitely comparable to the Dropkick Murphys, but not derivative. The band spices up the mix with some rockabilly, rock & roll, and pop influences as well, and plenty of gang vocals and drinking anthems. The guitar work is also surprising; guitarist Rob Guidotti is a definite step above the average "punk" guitarist. Notable tracks include "Cut Down on the 12th", "When it Ends", "Justifiable Fisticuffs" and a cover of Sham 69's "Borstal Breakout", but the album doesn't really slack at any point. Savin Hill won't boost Street Dogs to any spot on a record chart or on television, but it will secure them a place in respectable, solid, modern day punk rock. If you like the Dropkick Murphys, or hell, maybe even the Business, this is something for you to look into. [www.crosscheckrecords.com]