Rock music has always been a vessel for unfiltered authenticity, a platform for artists to bare their souls and capture the essence of the human condition. Sir Chloe, led by the indomitable Dana Foote, embraces this ethos wholeheartedly in their full-length album ‘I Am the Dog.’ With a blend of gritty rock aesthetics, grunge influences, and a hint of ’90s indie and riot grrrl vibes, the band delivers a collection of songs that resonate with unapologetic honesty.
The album bursts open with the potent track ‘Should I,’ immediately immersing the listener in the band’s raw and compelling sound. Dana Foote’s vocals take center stage, commanding attention with their intensity and emotional depth. The song sets the tone for what lies ahead—an album filled with complex emotional landscapes and introspective lyrics.
‘Salivate’ follows suit, showcasing Sir Chloe’s ability to marry grunge influences with a contemporary indie sound. The moody and introspective track delves into the controlling effects of shame on human desires, delivering a powerful commentary that remains relevant in today’s world. It’s a testament to the band’s deft artistry and evolution since their early work.
The album continues to surprise and captivate with tracks like ‘Know Better,’ which explores off-kilter surf-rock territories with dreamy melodies and a sense of desperation. Sir Chloe’s versatility shines through, as they fearlessly navigate new sonic territories while staying true to their roots.
The lead single, ‘Hooves,’ epitomizes the album’s themes perfectly. With thrashing vocals, biting lyrics, and an unexpected homage to goats, it encapsulates the band’s ability to blend irreverent symbolism with earnest introspection. The juxtaposition of playful symbolism and genuine plea for understanding showcases Sir Chloe’s genius and conviction.
‘I Am the Dog,’ the album’s title tune, is a fascinating journey into the western genre, with looping guitars and Foote’s seductive, low-key vocals weaving in and out of each other. The song twists expectations and challenges the listener with its juxtaposition of a peaceful musical environment and cutting words.
‘Feel Again,’ the album’s finale, features a more subdued but powerful performance by Sir Chloe. The clarity of Foote’s singing reflects her determination to take charge, establish limits, and prioritize self-improvement above romantic pursuits. It’s a suitable conclusion to an album that delves into life’s entropy while stressing independence and strength.
Sir Chloe’s recent European tour start at Dublin’s Academy’s Green Room was a tribute to their enormity and expertise on stage, which has always been an integral part of their artistic practice. The band ascended the stage and immediately captivated the audience with their powerful performance. Dana Foote sang with such conviction and emotion that the crowd couldn’t take their ears off of her. The band’s excellent chemistry and high level of enthusiasm on stage made for a night to remember for the Dublin audience.
Sir Chloe’s ‘I Am the Dog’ solidifies their status as one of the most intriguing acts on the current music scene. The album showcases their maturity and prowess, presenting compelling narratives, stellar vocal performances, and guitar work that reverberates with raw intensity. With influences reminiscent of St. Vincent, Mitski, and PJ Harvey, Sir Chloe carves out a unique space for themselves, fearlessly exploring the wild terrain of our baser instincts while offering a deeply human account of life’s chaos.
Tour Dates:
May 24: The Academy, Green Room – Dublin, IR
May 25: Limelight 2 – Belfast, UK
May 27: Live At Leeds Festival – Leeds, UK
May 30: Rescue Rooms – Nottingham, UK
June 1: Band On The Wall – Manchester, UK
June 2: Heaven – London, UK
June 3: Patterns – Brighton, UK
June 5: Thekla – Bristol, UK
June 6: O2 Institute 2 – Birmingham, UK
June 7: SGW Galvanizers – Glasgow, UK
June 9: Trix – Antwerp, BE
June 10: Best Kept Secret Festival – Hilvarenbeek, NL
June 13: Le Trabendo – Paris, FR
June 14: Brotfabrik – Frankfurt, DE
June 15: Luxor – Cologne, DE
June 16: Frannz – Berlin, DE
June 17: Lido Sounds Festival – Linz, AT
June 20: Hus 7 – Stockholm, SE
June 21: Parkteateret – Oslo, NO
June 22: Lille Vega – Copenhagen, DK
June 24: Metronome – Prague, CZ
June 25: Niebo – Warsaw, PL
June 26: Akvarium Klub – Budapest, HU
June 28: Schuur Lucerne – Lucerne, CH
June 29: Legends – Milan, IT
July 2: Main Square Festival – Arras, FR
July 30: Cobalt – Vancouver, BC
August 1: Seattle Climate Pledge Arena* – Seattle, WA
August 2: Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR
August 3: Hayden Homes Amphitheater* – Bend, OR
August 5: Concord Pavilion* – Concord, CA
August 7: Kia Forum* – Los Angeles, CA
August 8: Viejas* – San Diego, CA
August 10: Meow Wolf – Santa Fe, NM
August 11: Footprint Center* – Phoenix, AZ
August 12: Michelob Ultra Arena* – Las Vegas, NV
August 14: Soundwell – Salt Lake City, UT
August 15: Red Rocks* – Morrison, CO
August 18: Walmart Amp* – Rogers, AR
August 19: Beer City Music Hall – Oklahoma City, OK
August 20: Cynthia Woods Pavilion* – Houston, TX
August 21: Dos Equis Pavilion* – Dallas, TX
August 22: Moody Center* – Austin, TX
August 24: Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA
August 25: Bottleneck – Lawrence, KS
August 26: 7th St Entry – Minneapolis, MN
August 29: HIFI – Indianapolis, IN
August 30: The Basement – Columbus, OH
August 31: Huntington Bank Pavilion* – Chicago, IL
September 2: Pine Knob Music Theater* – Detroit, MI
September 3: Budweiser Stage* – Toronto, ON
September 4: L’Escogiffe Bar – Montreal, QC
September 5: MGM Music Hall* – Boston, MA