Kerbdog
Being snapped up by an American A&R man and
recording a debut album with a top US producer can prove
the kiss of death for bands from these isles, as Wolfsbane
found when they worked with Rick Rubin. However,
Kilkenny hopefuls Kerbdog appear to have avoided the
transatlantic curse so far. Jack Endino has done them
proud with a powerful production that enhances Billy
Dalton's confidently grungy riffs and Cormac Battle's strong
vocals, as tracks like End Of Green and Schism establish
passable songwriting credentials. But possessing neither the
knock-out melodies of a Nirvana or a Soundgarden, nor
the truly gob-smacking originality of a Pearl Jam or a Mind
Funk, this debut sounds more solid than inspired. The signs
are that Kerbdog haven't really hit their stride yet and that
their second album will be the real test of their pedigree.
Reviewed by: Valerie Potter
Review date: April 1994
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