Running Dogs

Rabble-rousing indie rock might be ten-a-penny, but Brighton’s Running Dogs don’t half do it with panache.

They’re helped in no small part by looking like they belong together.

On a superficial level, it’s because of their onstage get-up of sharp suits, slim-fit shirts and skinny ties, but they are also a well-oiled, sleek musical outfit; a confident unit in which each of the four members look like they were born to fulfil their respective roles.

It was evident in the knowing glances and smiles they exchanged as singer Dan Dorrington careered across the stage. It was evident in the way they overcame an early technical issue without so much as a musical stumble and, above all else, it was evident in some real humdinging tunes.




This set might have confirmed that there aren’t any lyrical or musical attempts to reinvent the wheel but what they lacked in genuine originality, they more than made up for with a barrow-load of enthusiasm, urgency and energy. So when Dorrington urged everyone to clap their hands, it was impossible not to get sucked in.

Similarly, even though the line “I want to get it right, I want to hold you tight” on the souped-up love song Shotgun is far from profound, just try shaking it from your head the next day.
Playing shortly after the men’s Olympic 5,000m final, they dedicated their last song to the victorious “magnficent Mo Farah”.

Amid the swagger, sweat and bluster of former single Rumpunch, it looked like they’d also got the legs to kick on to the next level.
- The Argus

Retro-inspired British rock bands are far from rare. A couple have enjoyed critical and commercial (Arctic Monkeys), while the majority are still fighting to prove they can go the distance (The Vaccines). It’s a difficult niche to occupy, and it seems like every day, a new band appears on the scene.

Running Dogs are a four-piece band from Brighton, and they may have the edge required to acheive success in a saturated genre.

They have just released their double A side ‘Turn Me’/'Rumpunch’ as a very limited edition 7” and download.

‘Rumpunch’ starts off with a 60s garage-vibe-infused distortion, and does not fail to deliver on this giddy promise. Relentlessly frantic guitars and percussion drive the track to the constant refrain of ‘Where did you get those eyes?’. The track is three minutes of dizzy, rum-soaked fun.

‘Turn Me (Baby)’ is a slight change of pace, toning down the roaring guitar and bass lines a slight notch, allowing Dan Dorrington’s fraut, urgent vocals to take centre stage. While the lyrics and vocals could easily be overshadowed by the heady rush of bass and drums, Dorrington’s vocals are strong, and unique enough to shine through.

Running Dogs are the best elements of recent British rock bands distilled down and wrapped up in suits (a refreshing change to the skinny jeans and button down shirt brigade), and an LP is eagerly anticipated.
- Vulture Hound Magazine

Suited and booted rockers Running Dogs are aiming to write “as many bangers as we possibly can”, and have already managed to get mega-producer Youth on board to knock their would-be anthems into shape. The trebly riff of flipside ‘Rumpunch’ flags up Libs/Babyshambles influences, but is tighter than anything Doherty’s managed in donkey’s, while the barrelling ‘Turn Me’ itself suggests Running Dogs aren’t afraid of sticking their feet on the monitors, so long as they don’t crease their strides. - Source - Ian Chambers, Stuart Huggett, James Kendall, Jessica Marshall McHattie