There’s no energy more positive, palpable, and downright fun than what emanates from a new pop-punk band ready to take on the world. Often unattached to a major label and the corporate buzzkill that comes with signing to one, street-smart but not jaded or cynical, and bursting with zeal and zest, their presence is undeniably likable.
Doghouse Rose may be two albums deep, but their membership in that club is still valid. Unflaggingly positive and teeming with lust for life, the Ontario quartet are ready to take the rest of the world by storm.
“It brings no greater joy when we get on a roll and are bouncing ideas off of one another,” drummer Jordan Zagerman says. “It’s a special feeling. Working on (our) funnier songs (results) in many belly-laughs. Making art with your friends is fun!”
Of course—and as the four band members admit—being in a band and writing material isn’t all smiles and rainbows. Because Doghouse Rose take their succulent variety of melodic punk seriously, even if the band members have fun making it, they sometimes butt heads during its creation. They’ve argued over what to do when they have 17 songs to choose from, as was the case with their new album, Unlearn, out now on Union Label Group.
“We were excited about all of them but, in the end, we picked the ones we thought would fit together for a cohesive album,” vocalist and guitarist Sarah Beth Rose says. “There’s quite a range of vibes on the record, from super-vulnerable—with very private thoughts and feelings being laid out—(to) a song about a hot dog.”
“We are all kinda weird people, but the album turned out to be a lot funnier than I thought,” laughs bassist Jefferson Sheppard.
So much fun, actually, that all four members of the band couldn’t contain themselves talking about that gang vocals that crop up on Unlearn… and condiments.
“At the end of ‘Don’t Be an Asshole,’ we wanted to do this whole doo-wop ending,” Rose reflects. “If you listen closely, you can hear (our friend) Sean Mcnab singing, ‘Butt butt, butt butt’ as his backup. A little butt-related Easter egg for the fans.”
Lead guitarist Garrick Zagerman chimes in: “Seeing everyone’s faces as the first gang vocal we recorded being a ‘mustard’ chant, then proceeding to yell ‘mustard stain!’ I’m glad they found it just as funny as the band did.”
All in all, his cousin Jordan shares the secret to Doghouse Rose’s chemistry: “We all value that and value each other and everyone’s unique personality and talents. We obviously get a little sick of each other after a long tour of being crammed shoulder to shoulder, farting on each other, but we still enjoy each other’s company. No matter what happens, the love is always there, and we know that. It’s unconditional.”
Unlearn is available on Doghouse Rose’s Bandcamp. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for future updates.
Photo courtesy of MichaelxCrusty.
