Dogtroep - First Second Album

Review by Lucie Hockman

The second album from Dutch experimental theatre group Dogtroep, entitled "First Second Album", is a wild and unpredictable journey through a range of genres and moods. From the opening track "Ritual" with its haunting choral vocals and tribal percussion, to the driving punk energy of "Machine", to the dreamy, atmospheric "Rain", the album never stays in one place for long.

The group's background in theatre is evident in the way they use sound to create vivid and immersive sonic landscapes. The album is full of unexpected sounds and textures, from the eerie theremin on "Ghost" to the distorted vocal samples on "Machines". At times, the music feels like it could be the soundtrack to a surreal and otherworldly stage production.

Despite the eclectic mix of styles and influences, there is a cohesive vision behind the album. The songs all share a sense of urgency and intensity, and the production is consistently inventive and engaging. It's clear that Dogtroep is a group with a strong sense of artistic vision and a willingness to experiment and push boundaries.

Summary by Lucie Hockman

"First Second Album" is a fascinating and compelling listen, full of surprises and moments of beauty. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and experimentation, and a reminder that sometimes the most interesting music comes from the most unexpected places.