Biography

Dogwood is relentless punk rock machinery, bent on dismantling a poorly constructed hierarchy of radio friendly faux-punk currently dominating mindsets and play-lists. They’ve been around long enough, eight years, to see commercialism and the contrived bring tragedy to a scene whose trademark was once identified by purity and ideal. Even inter-personal tales of loss and struggle have become wrought with cliché and formulaic tear-jerking. It’s in this cultural environment that Dogwood’s sincerity and credibility make most obvious the standard by which punk should be measured.

Dogwood’s newest installment of bare-knuckled, heart-wrenching punk rock is a rude awakening for a generation of kids buying Black Flag tee-shirts at the mall and a joyous affirmation for their fans that there is, in fact, still a remnant of blue-collar punk, born out of sheer necessity and love. Honest and poignant, “Seismic” is a bare-all exploration of relationships and spirituality, accompanied by Dogwood’s perfected machine gun delivery and blistering precision. Metronome synergy between all parties yields an unbelievably melodic and raucous backdrop for heart-breaking, bridge burning and anthems of farewell.

“Division of my own self leaves me wondering what I’ve become.” Utilizing poetic irony and a crushing, unforgettable melody, “Conscience In A Cave” is quintessential Dogwood, and simultaneously a look forward to what the band has in store for the future. Slowing things down gives the band a chance to showcase their sheer force and give the listener a little more time to absorb the lyrical barrage. Proverbial wisdom weaves throughout “Seismic” with songs like “Your Tongue is the Deadliest of Arrows” accompanied with dance floor beats and post-metal riffage. Perhaps the most striking is the title track, featuring gang vocals, a mid-tempo barrage and the sobering reminder, “We learn to sacrifice / we learn to take a life / w e take and we don’t give / live how we want to live / and no one wants to lie / and we all have to lie / relax, then die.”

Dogwood continues to be make themselves and others vulnerable by turning a mirror of self-examination upon themselves and, consequently, anyone who turns a listening ear. “Seismic”, produced by former guitarist Sean O’Donnell, takes the old school to college, and is their smartest, most sonically astounding, mixed by Ryan Greene (NOFX, Lagwagon, No Use For A Name); and dynamically ranging record they have released to date.