Street Dogs - Savin Hill

Street Dogs
Savin Hill
Crosscheck Records
Grade: A-

This is the debut album from this Boston four-piece. Yet, the Street Dogs' pedigree is deep and rich. The band is fronted on vocals by Mike McColgan, the original singer of the Dropkick Murphys - the same McColgan who left DK several years ago to become a fireman. McColgan is joined on drums by Jeff Erna (ex-DK), Rob Guidotti on guitar and Johnny Rioux (ex-Hellcats, Roger Miret and the Disasters) on bass. Street Dogs have all the elements to make them great: powerful vocals, melodies and that raw punk-hardcore sound that makes you smile. This is immediately evident on the title track "Savin Hill" - instant hit material. Probably the only thing that doesn't make sense is that Crosscheck Records, with releasing this record, is based in LA - eh? McColgan's honest and strong vocals bring a lot to the table including tracks "Cut Down on the 12th" and "Fighter." "Fighter," a tribute to a late friend, has a similar feel to it as Bouncing Souls' classics and, well, DK classics - immensely moving. Dicky Barrett adds vocals to the less-than-stellar "Justifiable Fisticuffs," but Ken Casey's and Al Barr's vocals on the next track "Stand Up" more than makes up for any misstep. Other tracks that will help Savin Hill travel include "When It Ends," the acoustic drinking number "2 Bottles," "Last Call" and the working class "Modern Day Labor Anthem" (including some pontificating from McColgan). As Street Dogs' opening salvo, Savin Hill is an impressive affair that should garner them serious attention. As one of the strangest - though not baffling - promotional events, McColgan will be singing the National Anthem at Fenway on September 24. If you can check that out it should be well worth the effort.