Dogs Die In Hot Cars - Please Describe Yourself
Reviewed by margaret
Seems like Scotland is just pumping out the hit makers lately, doesn’t it? And if you’re looking for something catchy, quirky and amusing, look no further than Please Describe Yourself. Sounding very much like XTC meets Joe Boxer, Dogs Die In Hot Cars have attracted a lot of attention since charging out of Glasgow, Scotland. But I have to wonder, of the recent exports, which of these super-hot Scots will end up as flashes in the pan, and who will fade into random kitschy status? Terminally catchy and ska-infused, “I Love You ‘Cause I Have To” starts out the album on a super-high note. This is followed by “Modern Woman,” which is more of a straight rock song, but lacks a lot of the pizzazz of the more quirky songs. It sounds like they just try to pack too many lyrics into such a tight beat, and the result is more awkward than artistic. Everyone seems to be in love with “Celebrity Sanctum.” Well, everyone but me. Maybe it’s just that lead singer Craig Macintosh’s vocals are bordering on being too nasally on this track. Maybe it’s because as a female, a song that does little more than hail the attributes of various modern screen actresses kind of bores me. Either way, it’s not really my cup of tea. There are some slower moments on Please Describe Yourself as well. “Somewhat Off the Way” slows it down a lot, but is, again, kind of dull musically, and no amount of digital manipulation and added effects is going to help it I’m afraid. Listen, the fact is that where this band really shines is in their hyper, up-tempo quick cuts. Case in point, “Lounger” is my favorite song on the record. It’s just more fun to bounce along with Dogs Die In Hot Cars than it is to contemplate heavy things, so my advice would be for them to stick to that. Go with your ska influences; lean a little less on trying to sound like XTC (“Apples and Oranges” is just too much) and ride the wave of success you are currently enjoying. It’s all good for you right now. Take it as far as it will go. [www.dogsdieinhotcars.com]