Turn this track up when your friends have sunken too deep into the sofa. “Lupine Dominus” rips layered grooves of proto-punk fuzz that would be hard to fall asleep to. The bright vocals show great contrast against the noisy thickness of the guitar work. The organ squeals above the wild mess. All of these sounds, the fuzz guitar and the classic organ keys, have been used so many times before. The fact that something decently new and interesting is created with these tools feels like an achievement. This specific track builds a wall of guitars that reminds one of the Velvet Underground or Steppenwolf.
Beginning as John Dwyer’s experimental recording project then growing into a full band, Thee Oh Sees’ live shows are now famed for wild energy and bold simplicity. Expect a punk atmosphere with no angst; the live shows appear as if people are dancing so hard that it looks like a mosh pit — with less push and shove, though, so maybe you could call it a love pit. Amongst the many laid-back indie rock bands of 2012, Thee Oh Sees sound exciting and lively. The music is not mellow, depressing, or chill at all. It is not music for laying down. Thee Oh Sees make you stand up and party, which today seems rare for music made with a live band.