Rexedog - Under the Lash

Rexedog

Under the Lash
self-released; 2015

3.7 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

I can’t guarantee that Rexedog is a phenomenal live band since I’ve never seen them live but if they sound half as good as they do on their release Under the Lash then you should check to see if they are playing in a town near you. There are only three songs on their EP Under the Lash but each one feels like a party. It’s the type of music that you want to go see on a Friday night and pound a couple drinks to while letting your hair down. 

The trio consisting of Dan Cole (vocals/guitar), Colin MacFarlane (vocals/guitar/bass/keys) and Dan Bogan (percussion) don’t make club thumping, beat heavy music but make off-kilter rock music that tips its hat from everything from spaghetti western to post-punk. The one aspect that really makes this band stand out is the vocals. Not only are the vocals some of the most dynamic I have heard but there really isn’t a lead singer. Cole and Macfarlane take turns singing and trade off almost every measure as if they are having a conversation. They pull off vocal acrobatics throughout these songs and it's pretty wonderful and entertaining. 

All you have to do is listen to the first track “Under the Lash” which is a unpretentious rock song that feels like one part Rocky Horror Picture Show and another part Talking Heads. I don’t know how you could not love this song. It’s great top to bottom and just gets better with repeated listens.

“Leech” starts with a steady kick drum, rumbling toms and fast guitar that gives you the instant feeling like this is a build up. The vocalist goes back and forth but then brilliantly just goes into another buildup before going into a rockabilly/spaghetti western hook and then just rocking the hell out. They close with “True Replica” which is has a noir type vibe. It’s a bit dark at first but then gets a bit festive. All throughout the band finds fun hooks and infectious melodies to be invested. 

It took me a couple of spins to really appreciate Under the Lash but once I got it, I loved it. Their EP is a little over seven-minutes long and went by quickly.  I’m not sure what their future plans are but we need a full length soon. Keep rocking.

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