Police Dog Hogan - Wild by the Side of the Road

  by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 25 / 2 / 2017

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Review

Police Dog Hogan are a great live band with a fun name and lots of personality – but as their latest album 'Wild by the Side of the Road' clearly demonstrates, as musicians they deserve to be taken seriously. Formed in 2009, the band's work is sometimes reminiscent of the best of Bellowhead or Show of Hands. The eight members of Police Dog Hogan combine fiddle, guitars, banjo, mandolin, accordion, trumpet, keyboards, bass and drums to produce a signature sound that somehow combines rock, country, pop, folk-rock, bluegrass and certain jazz genres. The effect is impressive and the band's skilful arrangements of a range of original narrative songs by singer and chief songwriter James Studholme have impressed many in the music business - plus the BBC's Bob Harris who is an ardent supporter. There are strong hooks here, sing-along choruses and an interesting, innovative use of the band's unusual array of instruments. From the melancholic 'Our Lady of the Snows' with its rich violins and cello to the powerful full-on hoedown of 'East Nashville Back Porch Fix', there is a wonderful variety of material on 'Wild by the Side of the Road'. The sheer range and energy of Police Dog Hogan's work demands repeated listening - whether at the band's hugely popular festival appearances or on this delightful album. 'Wild by the Side of the Road' is released in February on the Major Tom label and Police Dog Hogan are touring the UK in March and April.

Track Listing:-

1 Tyburn Jig
2 Dixie
3 Devon Brigade
4 Tomorrow's Boys
5 In The Country
6 All You Know About Love
7 Black Road
8 Let My Spirit Rise
9 The One on the Left
10 Our Lady of the Snows
11 East Nashville Back Porch Fix
12 Fare You Well

Band Links:-

https://en-gb.facebook.com/policedogho
http://www.policedoghogan.com/