The realm of Hardcore has become tremendously diverse in the past decade. In the melodic subset, one exceptional act is Dogwood. Their 2003 opus, “Seismic” [Tooth & Nail Records], is a thundering display of beautiful Pop aesthetic and Hardcore power.
Intense, bludgeoning instrumentals wash across Josh Kemble's clean, Pop-tinged vocals. Their melodious qualities are not created at the sacrifice of their Hardcore aggression, but as an enhancement of it. Dogwood combines these juxtaposed elements masterfully.
Songs of definitive prowess include the pummeling “Seismic” (a very apt name for this work), “Crushing,” “Sunsets Are But Once A Day,” “Your Tongue Is The Deadliest Of Arrows,” and the powerful “Last Of The Lost.” This is a rock solid, Punk masterpiece.
In conclusion, Dogwood's “Seismic” is just that–an epic apocalyptic event of sublime aggression. And that is Dogwood is one of the best at this style of Hardcore. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Somehow Hollow, Taking Back Sunday, Box Car Racer, Pressure 4-5, Alien Ant Farm, Grade, Reach The Sky, Lost Prophets, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Peace.
Bill Vogel III
Email at: StrangeAeons@hatebox.net
Copyright 2003.
Courtesy of Stranger Aeons Magazine.
