Review Summary: soft bark, deep bite
The Dog is such a wonderfully unassuming record. Ever since discovering it in some Bandcamp crevice, the cutesy indie record has gradually transformed itself into an ethereally entrancing masterpiece that refuses to let go. Slow Connection, a small band from Catalonia, effortlessly craft tiny atmospheres and allow them and everything within to bloom into genuinely gorgeous songs - even if the production leaves a bit to be desired.
The perfectly paced ten-track record is at its best when focusing on sheer auditory hypnosis. Songs are repetitive without
feeling repetitive: the brief highlight “Camille” comprises precisely one line, but swells with such conviction that its simplicity becomes its strength, before bleeding into the equally mesmerising “What You Said”. This track exemplifies the sound of
The Dog - best described as dream pop with electronic flairs - and works its way to a highly addictive chorus by way of straightforward if colourful sonic patterns. All throughout, Slow Connection clearly understand the importance of hooks, and more strikingly, the different ways of actually
using such hooks. During songs like “Camille”, the catchy melody is explicit and at the forefront, whereas “Innocence” opts for a gradual unveiling of its complete sonic pattern to entice and entrance. Elsewhere, intricate synth lines blend in beautifully with driving drums and surprisingly demanding vocals (“The Dog”), while closing duo “Wait” and “Sometimes” trade gorgeous intricacy for ethereal if total distortion. In essence,
The Dog is a quick guide to everything a dreamgaze band should be doing, and a little more for good measure.
Unfortunately, the one thing keeping Slow Connection from fully realising their vision here is the production job - somewhat ironically, this album is perhaps best enjoyed through lower quality speakers. That being said,
The Dog feels entirely immersive, even if it is not able to quite reach the all-encapsulating sound it deserves. It’s a brilliant summer album; 35 minutes of engaging, intriguing bliss that keeps revealing itself with each listen. What more could I ask for?
