Live 4 Metal by Scott It took about five seconds of opening track, “Don’t ask me where I Stand,” to know that Blind Dog’s Captain Dog Rides Again would be right up my alley. The no-bullshit old school semi-stoner-rock-meets-70s-rock guitar sound, driving bass, and the gruff Randy Bachman-style vocals (think of the Not Fragile album) had me searching for a beer and cigarette. Shit man, there was even a part in the tune that reminded me of Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire.” Oh, and don’t get your panties twisted over the Randy Bachman thing; it’s just a similarity in vocal style. Then again, one might hear a style that brings to mind what a stoner rock band would sound like if they were trying to be Bachman Turner Overdrive. Oh fuck it! Just listen to the damn thing and come up with your own description. I’m not sure where the press release’s description of “Swedish Prog-Thrash” comes from because this is just sludgified hard rock splendour with a ton of great riffs, driving rhythms, and droplets of liquid psychedelia. Just like Backdraft, I was surprised to hear that these guys are from Sweden, given the North American vibe on this rockin’ son of a bitch. Ok, I suppose there’s a bit of prog involved, but only because the boys don’t stay in basic rock beat form, preferring to stretch out some of the compositions, incorporate some time changes, and add some exceptionally well-place organ sounds. As I said before, a trio works well only when the musicians have chops and the music sends you into outer space, never letting things sound hollow or full of gaps. Blind Dog does it right. In addition to the aforementioned gruff vocals, Tobias Nilsson utilizes some cleaner, yet still dirty, vocals on songs like “Let it Go” and the psychedelic blues of “Follow the Fools.” The stoner/psychedelic vibe weaves in and out of the mix, really a perfect companion to the unabashedly cranked-to-ten volume of the meaty riffs and cutting solos. Don’t worry herb lovers, there is plenty of smoke-filled rock to get you through more than a few bowls, but burning hard rock with just a touch of blues foundation is the order of the day here. It’s a splendid sound mix as well with a clearly audible bass sound, earsplitting guitar, and crisp drumming. MeteorCity has found another righteous act to add to their roster. Oh, I suppose I do have a couple of questions to ask. Where the fuck are all these great Swedish bands coming from? Would somebody please tell what the fuck is going on in that country! << Back to reviews of Captain Dog Rides Again