EP REVIEW: Danger Dog – From The Comfort Of A Yellow Tent

’…this EP is what cements them for certain as one of the brightest talents not just in Merseyside, but in the entirety of UK’s emo scene.…’

At long last, the debut EP of Merseyside-based cult legends Danger Dog has arrived. The four piece have been building up a solid following since their debut in 2021, ‘Big Z Surf Memorial’, thanks to their brilliantly fun skramz-infused Midwest emo sound and wild live performances.

‘From the Comfort of a Yellow Tent’ not only acts as the perfect reward for long-term listeners of the band, featuring plenty of gems from their live set, but offers the perfect introductory point for newcomers. This is Danger Dog at their most polished, inventive, and heartfelt.

The EP kicks off with their most recent single, ‘Well You Know, I’m a Busy Man and a Plate’s a Plate‘, which makes for a surprisingly explosive opener despite its moody, grungy nature; noodling guitar riffs are swapped out for immense walls of fuzzy, repetitive, droning riffs. That bitter aggression is swapped out for cascade tapped melodies on the short but sweet ‘Didn’t Kong Racing’; Matt Ellis remains one of the most technically proficient guitarists in the north west right now, and it is performances such as this that demonstrate his intricate and compelling knowledge of the guitar.

Surprisingly, despite the strong start, the EP only manages to get better as it progresses, and the one-two punch of ‘Yellow Tent’ and ‘Three Nights in Worm City’ makes for an intense, anthemic climax. From the warm, sparkling instrumental work of the former, to the rapturous close of the latter as vocalist Harry Hemming belts ‘Be my acolyte/Lay with me forever’ with a tone of pure, blinding adoration.

Whilst Ellis and Hemming shine bright, it is only thanks to the unbreakable rhythmic foundations of bassist Rohan Kapoor and drummer Liam Nicholson that they are able to do so. Driving through complex polyrhythms and steady, minimalist beats, the pair ensure that whatever wild sonic frenzy occurs in the air above, they remain a solid guiding force, snaring in listeners with complimentary grooves and snappy rhythmic switch-ups.

Danger Dog have always been exciting to listen to, but this EP is what cements them for certain as one of the brightest talents not just in Merseyside, but in the entirety of UK’s emo scene. There feels little doubt that your favourite bands will be picking them up as the perfect supports very soon. So learn the lyrics and make sure you know your ‘Surf’s Up’ lore; you won’t want to miss out.

RATING: 84/100 – Very Good

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