South London-based Fat Dog are the latest band signed by Domino, the label behind acts such as Wet Leg, Arctic Monkeys and Hot Chip. Formed during lockdown, the quintet have built a word-of-mouth reputation thanks to their boisterous live performances: moshpits are commonplace, and drummer, Johnny “Doghead” Hutchinson, plays in a latex dog mask. Their music has been described by Rolling Stone as dance, punk, klezmer and “just about everything else”. Indeed, it’s difficult to place: there are elements of Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode crossed with European dance sounds.
Fat Dog’s three singles have been written by frontman and guitarist Joe Love, and co-produced by super producer James Ford (Gorillaz, Pet Shop Boys). Last year’s debut, King of the Slugs, is a chaotic, barnstorming number you can see causing mayhem at festivals. On the intense Running, Love’s commanding vocals have more than a hint of metal as he intones: “I said wake me up, wake me up when the shooting starts.”
With their debut album, WOOF, due in September following a string of live dates, 2024 looks like being Fat Dog’s year. Synth player Chris Hughes told DIY magazine: “If people just have a lukewarm response then what’s the point?” He’s not wrong. They’re epic, raucous and ready for a mainstage slot.
Fat Dog tour the UK until 31 August. WOOF is released on Domino on 6 September
