Dog Is Dead

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It's always interesting to watch a band's metamorphosis from plucky wannabes to would-be rock stars under the tutelage of a record label. Their rumbustious charm is probably what gained Nottingham's Dog Is Dead so many suitors in the first place, so it's a shame that those rough, unkempt, distinctive edges have been largely blunted and removed on their debut album. They still can pen a killer hook or big chorus – check out Do the Right Thing or Get Low – but the redrafted Glockenspiel Song and River Jordan now lack the oomph and wobbles that made them such an interesting proposition to begin with. Instead, it's as if the album's soaring choruses and anthemic rushes have been finessed with a view to emulating Bombay Bicycle Club, and wooing those who choose the music for sports' highlights. dogisdead.co.uk

Download: Do the Right Thing