My first ever introduction into the Ferocious Dog world was when they supported The Levellers and since then I have been an avid fan ever since, so the opportunity to review the re-release of their debut album was too good an opportunity to pass up, especially when it comes packaged with a recording of a gig they did in Leeds where they were supported by an orchestral ensemble.
The album opens with ‘The Glass’ and from that moment on it is a whirling storm of upbeat and barn storming folk rock which will have any listener tapping away in no time. The whole album keeps true to its roots and is only embellished with a modern day sound from the modern production whilst still maintaining the rawness and likeable attitude which is now synonymous as a true Ferocious Dog attribute. As the album progresses it is hard not to sit back and reminisce on just why Ferocious Dog have now become a staple in the English punk and folk rock repertoire, gathering momentum as they steamroller their way through the years to the confident and reliable headline act they have now become, hell, they have even landed themselves on one of the biggest festival bills of the year, the momentous Germanic Wacken Open Air.
Consisting of the much loved 15 tracks, this album darts by in what seems like an instant, each track holding their own as they did back in the day and personal highlights such as ‘Too Late’, ‘Hell Hounds’ and ‘Freethinker’ sound as fresh and as relevant as they did when they were first released into the environment a good decade ago.
Now, couple that sublime and career defining release with a release which showcases a different side to the band while still managing to preserve their own identity and you are surely onto a winner, and they have well and truly hit the jackpot with this effort. The orchestra and strings add a fresh and vibrant side to the anthems while the delicate and fresh female vocals add a decadent and mesmerising angle to the support they give the rockier and raw vocals we are so used to.
The interaction between all on stage is enchanting and absorbing, captivating to well and truly say the least. The alternate vision and portrayal that is brought to each and every track is enthralling and the construction behind the façades is mesmeric and hypnotic in the very least. Each track is dispensed with obvious ease yet carries a beauty which is furnished with a palpable appetite and hunger for all to see.
This release is well and truly a dream for anyone with even a remote passing interest in Ferocious Dog, let alone those who are already well versed in this measured chaotic world. For those uninitiated souls, this is one to add to your wish list, playlist or any other damn list you want to add it onto because, rest assured, you will not be disappointed one iota.
On 31st March Ferocious Dog release a deluxe remastered version of their self-titled album on Graphite Records. Mixed and mastered by Al Scott the album will be available as a double CD; the second CD will include a number of live tracks from the bands O2 Academy Leeds show from 2022.
To coincide with the release Ferocious Dog will play a unique show with a full orchestra at the Barbican in York on Saturday 1st April; the two hour set will include the band playing the entire debut album.
To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of their self titled debut album, Ferocious Dog unveiled a brand new video – ‘Too Late 2022’, an updated version of live favourite ‘Too Late’ from the album.
Watch the video here:
“I wrote this song many years ago for someone I was close to at the time. It was her childhood story” explains Dan Booth.
“It’s great that we could put a new twist on it. It’s far more relevant now to how we sound live and I love that the legendary Al Scott decided to mix and master the song.”
Also, on 5th May Ferocious Dog release ‘Live At Rock City’ CD on Graphite Records. ‘Live At Rock City’ was recorded in April 2022 on The Hope tour and features the band performing songs 29 songs.
Thought provoking and politically charged lyrics, seamlessly combining with dynamic and eclectic music – Ferocious Dog seem to have the knack of evolving their sound enough to pique your interest, without losing any of the sound or attitude that made you fall in love with them in the first place.
To preorder / pre stream Ferocious Dog (Remastered)and Live At Rock City go to: https://linktr.ee/FerociousDog
There are number of tickets for the Barbican gig that can be purchased as a bundle with the re-released debut album.
Following this special show on 30th April, the band host their Dogfest Festival in April, with further headline shows and festival appearances including the Rebellion and Beautiful Days festivals plus Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany.
Disc 1 – Ferocious Dog (Remastered) track listing.
01 The Glass.
02 Lee’s Tune.
03 On The Rocks.
04 Too Late.
05 Freeborn John.
06 Hell Hounds.
07 Quiet Paddy.
08 Lyla.
09 Criminal Justice.
10 Pocket Of Madness.
11 Blind Leading The Blind.
12 Freethinker.
13 Mairis Wedding Pt II
14 Paddy On The Railway.
15 Verse For Lee.
Disc 2 – Live At Leeds Orchestral track listing.
01 Landscape Artist.
02 A& B.
03 Class War.
04 Mairis Wedding Pt 3
05 Yellow Feather.
06 1914.
07 Justice For ’96.
08 The Demon.
09 Broken Soldier.
10 Lacey-Lee.
11 Criminal Justice.
12 Blind Leading The Blind.
13 Too Late (2022)
Ferocious Dog 2023 tour dates:
April
Fri 1st Barbican York
Sat 22ndDogfest Boston
Fri 28th Old Fire Station Carlisle
Sat 29th Northern Kin Festival Durham
Sun 30th Teddy Rocks Festival Dorset
May
Sat 6th Labadoux Festival Ingelmunster Belgium
Thu 11th Queen’s Hall Nuneaton
Fri 12th Tunes in The Dunes Cornwall
Sat 13th O2 Academy Leicester
June
Fri 2nd The Georgian Theatre Stockton-on-tees
Sat 3rd North West Calling Manchester
Fri 9th Here For The Music Bideford
Fri 16th Sign Of The Times Church End
Sat 17th Docks Academy Grimsby
FrI 30th Victoria Hall Settle
July
Sat 1st Victoria Hall Settle
Sun 2nd Victoria Hall Settle
Sat 8th Ely Folk Festival
Sat 15th Jurassic Fields Dorset
Fri 21st The Devils Arse Castleton
Sat 22ndBeautiful Day Out Leeds
August
Wed 2nd Wacken Open Air Festival Germany
Sat 5th Rebellion Festival Blackpool
Fri 11th Lakefest Ledbury
Thu 17th The Drill Lincoln
Fri 18th Guildhall Gloucester
Sat 19th Beautiful Days Ottery Saint Mary
Fri 25th Solfest Cumbria
September
Fri 1st Lindisfarne Festival Blyth
Sun 3rd Acapela Studio Cardiff
Thu 21st Club 85 Hitchin
Fri 22nd The 1865 Southampton
Sat 23rd Roadmender Northampton
Sat 29th Robin 2 Bilston
Sat 30th The Waterfront Norwich
October
Fri 6th Oran Mor Glasgow
Sat 7th La Belle Angele Edinburgh
Thu 12th Esquires Bedford
Fri 13th Boiler Shop Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sat 14th The Birdwell Venue Barnsley
* Ferocious Dog 3 piece
Tickets available from: https://www.ferociousdog.co.uk/events
Ferocious Dog’s current live line up :
Ken Bonsall – Lead singer & acoustic guitar.
Sam Wood – Multi-instrumentalist.
Kyle Peters – Guitar
Nick Wragg- Bass
Luke Grainger- Drums
Jamie Burley – Violin
