The Raindogs - The Adventures Of The Raindogs (Three Track Demo) By Steve Rudd

Hull-based quartet The Raindogs are understandably turning ears in their direction with their uniquely spirited brand of indie-fied rock 'n' roll, that magically manages to be damn catchy come the choruses of all these three songs. Stop Smiling is up first, and straight away band front man Martin Clappison stuns the senses with his extraordinary voice: a voice that is both gruff and soulful at the same time, and utterly compelling and smouldering as a result. What have you done to smile about? What have you done to scream about?, sings Martin, before second song Stick Around thrusts its neck out.

Stick Around contrasts with the demo-opening tune through its melancholic Country-fuelled lilt that propels this Classic Rock-edged ballad that might remind of the music of Proud Mary, or even Oasis in their most emotionally sensitive throes. Martin's heartbreakingly tender vocals compliment the guitar melodies perfectly, with the net result being that this anthem is both a beautifully conceived and executed affair that can't fail to touch the heart.

Martin is one of the band guitarists, but it's former Still Life member Mike Richmond who's on lead guitar, making every last note count, and who creates wonderful atmospherics that envelope all the songs presented here. Last but not least, Trajectory pits Phil Ives' funky bass-line against Dan Lydon's bold drum-beat, allowing Martin room to push his voice into the fray above Mike's creative touch on lead. Concerning itself with the trials and tribulations of good old 'life' itself, a subtle Ska-esque flava sets the tone, with Martin musing Coming down is not the problem, it's the landing that's the trick... You might as well stay up.

Not to be confused with the high-octane pop-punk of the Snowdogs, Hull's Raindogs are a genuine breath of fresh air, clearly armed with some uplifting anthems that have the potential to make the band name a household one in due course... For more information check out www.theraindogs.tk

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