Record Label: Hellcat Records
Genre: Punk
Band Link:
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I’ve been a fan of Street Dogs since their formation and glad to see them progress as a band. This is the Street Dog’s Hellcat Records label debut, after being on Brass Tacks Records for the last 2 records. I wasn’t really a fan of the last album “Fading American Dream” as much as “Savin Hill” and “Back to the World.” I’m not sure why I didn’t like that album as much. But “State of Grace” sounds excellent and is filled with catchy Boston punk songs that are both political and personal at the same time.

There’s a lot of interesting songs on this album. “Kevin J. O’Toole” is about Mike McColgan’s Uncle who passed away and “General’s Boombox” is a eulogy for The Clash’s Joe Strummer, who’s been a tremendous influence on Mike and the band. The band does a great cover of The Skid’s “Into the Valley.” I like their version so much better than the Skids’ version. Like the previous albums, there’s a hint of Celtic influence in their songs. The song “San Patricios” is a song about trying to unite Irish & Mexicans alike. Out of the 4 albums, this one seems to be the one where the band isn’t afraid to slow it down, or try something different with their punk songs. You can see the band perform these songs on this year’s Warped Tour and they are one of the bands I’m looking forward to seeing!

Bottom Line: An excellent Hellcat Records debut!
Notable Tracks: Into The Valley, General’s Boombox, San Patricios, Free
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