VAN GOSH – “DOG TALK” EP REVIEW
I’d love you to think of Van Gosh as a serious outfit, but give “Dog Talk” the once over and it won’t take long until you realise the stark reality. However, listen a little more intently and you’ll soon discover the 3-piece are musically quite splendid.
After all, when it comes to “comedy” bands, there’s a fine line between being dismissed as purely a novelty act and one that has some real talent. Although granted, when Van Gosh supported B of the Bang earlier this year, they still came fully equipped with an array of ludicrous stage props.
Yet, with the title track on “Dog Talk” the stage antics translate well onto record. There’s an early sign of the Frank Zappa influences, a style you certainly don’t take too lightly. Meanwhile, lyrically there’s a touch of mad genius in the various imitations on how a dog can express themselves.
WOOF WOOF WOOF
The two tracks that follow are, yet again, heavily Zappa friendly, with a touch of Spinal Tap (“Breezeblock”) and other fun groups along the way. Although as with those bands that have come before them, the musicianship continues to shine first and foremost. Much like the gloss upon their replacement hair substitutes during “Wigs!”.
Then there’s “Butterfly of Rock”, which is almost a more down to earth rock n roll number. Albeit with a touch of the old Van Gosh. The funky groove then comes back for the last song “Work Out” and its tongue-in-cheek look at life down the gym.
Lyrically across “Dog Talk” it’s a fine balance between clever wordplay and an EP that’s likely to irritate those that don’t get the joke. All of which is made even better by reminiscing upon having seen the band live. As for the music, strip it back and when Van Gosh aren’t singing about dogs and hair products, there’s an element of prog-rock and progressive jazz thrown in for good measure.
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