Northwestern folk-rock outfit The Moondoggies are everything we’ve come to love and expect from a band fronted by a guy with a big beard. Their weightily-worded tunes recall both old acts like The Byrds and contemporary ones like Dawes, yet the ‘Doggies take these sounds and harmonize them into one they can uniquely call their own.
Here you can hear five of the band’s signature tracks to get prepped for what’s sure to be an intimate and energetic tonight at The Frequency:
“Undertaker” from Don’t Be a Stranger
Lead vocalist Kevin Murphy’s musings on death amidst a backdrop of ghostly harmonies — and little else — help the haunting “Undertaker” stand out despite sitting smack dab in the middle of the Moondoggies’ debut.
“It’s a Shame, It’s a Pity” from Tidelands
“It’s a Shame, It’s a Pity” is a short yet “sweet” rocker about dealing with depression. Propelled by a stompin’ kick drum and a clean electric guitar, the track finds Murphy rattling through his brain until it all becomes too much — or as he puts it, “just a lie.”
“Empress of the North” from Tidelands
“Empress of the North” would be my favorite lullaby were it not for the fact that I’m 21 and the song is about heartbreak. Nevertheless, it’s a must-listen if soothing, track-long metaphors are your thing.
“Red Eye” from Adiós I’m a Ghost
“Red Eye” was the first single released from The Moondoggies’ latest, Adiós I’m a Ghost. The track is as repetitive as it is straightforward, but it’s sure to be a good ol’ fashioned romp live.
“Stop Signs” from Adiós I’m a Ghost
Pleasant is the only way to describe “Stop Signs,” a track that shows every mark of a folk-rock band reaching maturity: the harmonies are tighter, the production is better, and — thanks to flourishes of piano and a cheerful bassline — the attitude is more laid back.