DOG FASHION DISCO
Adultery
Rotten Records 2006
www.dogfashiondisco.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Baltimore group releases their fifth album. Adultery is a concept album that revolves seemingly normal guy with a family and safe corporate job. He eventually caves into his own demons and gets caught up in a life of drugs, prostitutes, and sadism, which eventually leads to murder.

Genre
Hard rock / experimental / alternative / film-noir

The Good
Soft spoken lyrics and haunting piano lead the way on “The Uninvited Guest”. The song is a gateway to the effects of the main characters drug use and where it’s taking him. Falsetto vocals are mixed with intensity on “The Sacrifice of Miss Rose Covington.” “Sweet Insanity” takes you on a twisted ride with electronic effects and creepy vocals. A country-style acoustic progression mixes with Mexican style horns to produce the bizarre track “Desert Grave.” You can actually picture yourself watching one of those 70s horror movies where the music is up-beat, despite the tragedy being committed.

“Private Eye” employs some of the sounds you’ve heard in old black and white detective movies. Vocalist Todd Smith serves as the detective’s inner monologue. “The Hitchhiker” picks up the intensity with some pounding drums and driving guitars that go back-and-forth with down tempo madness. “Adultery” explores more of a seventies funk style while still remaining progressive.

The Bad
I always hate trying to follow a concept album. Sometimes the music arraignments are a little too experimental.

The Verdict
I saw Dog Fashion Disco open for WASP back in 2001. I absolutely hated them. I’m not saying that I like them much more after listening to Adultery, but I really can’t deny that they’ve produced an album that’s as unique and twisted as they are.

Did You Know?
During a show opening for the Insane Clown Posse in Arizona, ICP fans pelted Dog Fashion Disco with change and spit. In response, frontman Todd Smith defecated on stage and threw it into the crowd.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne