Bad Reputation

Website: American Dog

Some time ago I was in touch with Michael Hannon for the American hard rock band American Dog. Soon after I received their latest effort entitled ‘Hard’. Although this album was released half a year ago, I’d still like to entertain you with a short review. ‘Hard’ is the follow-up of the album ‘If You Want Bud’ (2006) and is the fifth official studio album of this band, if I am not mistaken. At the end of the nineties, American Dog was founded from the remains of the band Hilljack by bass player Michael Hannon (ex Salty Dog, Dangerous Toys) and drummer Keith Pickens who were joined by guitarist Steve Theado. After a number of outstanding releases, a live in the studio album EP and a live album, it is now time for this band to get a solid foot on European soil. From American Dog one can expect honest, true American hard rock with a hint of southern influence.

The above certainly applies to the latest American Dog Opus which opens with a worthy instrumental tune entitled “Bock”. But this band is definitely into entertaining lyrics, listen to “Sometimes You Eat The Pussy”, for instance. Another typical element on the album is the solid axework of guitarist Steve Theado who has contributed a number of ripping riffs; listen to “Another Day In Paradise” and the AC/DC-inspired track “Spell On Me”. On ‘Hard’, American Dog have also experimented with acoustic and slide guitar which really adds to the variety on the album. The song “Beaten, Broken, etc.” has a mild, acoustic intro but it soon evolves into a downright Southern rock classic. On the whole we hear excellent guitar work, pumping drums and raw vocals in powerful songs such as “Little Short” en the up-tempo “Bloodsucker”. The final track “Magnificent Bastard” is a particularly potent song with added keyboards as a little extra. Although drummer Keith Pickens can be heard on ‘Hard’, he has presently left the band and has been replaced by former Godz drummer Frank Garisto. ‘Hard’ was produced by Joe Viers, Michael Hannon and Steve Theado and they managed to realise an ok sound. ‘Hard’ is a fine, easy to digest, catchy, powerful hard rock album which is especially fit for long drives and brown bars. Fans of bands such as Nashville Pussy, George Thorogood, AC/DC, Motörhead and Circus of Power should definitely give this album a shot.

The artwork on the cover looks good and, as an extra bonus, a free patch has been added. The album can be ordered from the website www.americandog.us or www.cdbaby.com. Curious, visit the band’s myspace at www.myspace.com/americandog.com American Dog have done a number of European shows and will be back for more, early 2008.

Tracklist:
01. Bock
02. No Pity
03. Sometimes You Eat The Pussy...
04. Another Day In Paradise
05. Hypnotized
06. Long Time Comin'
07. Beaten, Broken, Etc.
08. Rock-N-Roll Dog
09. Spell On Me
10. Little Short
11. Bloodsucker
12. Magnificent Bastard

American Dog are:
Michael Hannon - Vocals / Bass
Steve Theado - Guitars / Vocals
Keith Pickens - Drums

Additional Musicians:
Andrew "The Bastard" Batchelor - keyboards (track 8 & 12)