Indie pop infused with baroque elements, a sharp sense of humor, and a golden heart...
Some albums require years to create. The Stone Roses notoriously took their time with ‘The Second Coming’, while Guns N’ Roses kept fans waiting more than a decade before finally releasing ‘Chinese Democracy’. Tugboat Captain? They completed ‘Dog Tale’ in just a week, demonstrating the power of creative conciseness.
Recorded at Ctrl P, a South London studio operated by Sox and Josh from the band, ‘Dog Tale’ exudes a sense of comfort throughout. Over time, Tugboat Captain has integrated baroque elements into their songwriting, and although the arrangements reflect this, they don’t become overwhelmed by random additions.
Consequently, this album radiates positivity—a clever collection of witty remarks, diversions, and pointed observations on contemporary life. The title track alludes to drinks at the band’s local hangout, the Cavendish Arms, yet doesn’t feel insular; its down-to-earth charm embodies a spirit of indie pop defiance.
‘Rats In The Basement’ starkly portrays the challenges of renting in London, delivering a candid critique of terrible landlords. ‘Parkbenches’ possesses a photojournalistic quality, while ‘Cheeks’ maintains a delightfully tongue-in-cheek tone.
The consistently evolving sextet creates space for their songs to develop; if there’s a central theme in ‘Dog Tale’, it’s the element of surprise. Comprising 14 richly diverse tracks of offbeat indie pop, it showcases a unique individuality.
7/10
Words: Robin Murray
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Certain albums require many years to complete. The Stone Roses are well-known for taking their time with ‘The Second Coming’, while Guns N’ Roses kept their fans waiting for more than a