Brighton has an illustrious punk history, a movement that seems integral to the identity of the town. It spans the generations too. From the still-performing rockers who were there at the beginning, across the decades to a new and emerging generation. City Dog are rising stars of the scene having played a bunch of rapturously received shows this year. Sited somewhere in the punk/rock/garage triangle, they are a trio of local younglings with their eye on a bigger prize. The ‘Store (as no one is calling it) is stacked, packed and more than ready for this big hometown headliner.

Every good garage band needs a thumping rhythm section and City Dog are well served by Jack Dewdney on bass, locked tight to drummer Keelan Shepard. Singer and guitarist Deri Bovaird has a magnetic yet enigmatic presence and, most importantly, he sure can shred. The band crash in from chord one of opener ‘Dirt And Bricks’ and the speed is neck-breaking. What follows is a calling card from a band with serious potential. Drenge, Muse, Faith No More and even a touch of nu-metal can be heard in the maelstrom and Bovaird is a natural. Latest single ‘A Circus’ is a highlight and ‘Overflow’ is a stadium-ready anthem that deserves to be heard across many a festival field. The tempo does briefly dip at times but by closer ‘Burn The Witch’ the crowd has gone completely wild and it is safe to say Brighton’s punk scene is in good hands.

Small Pond Records have seen the potential of City Dog, working with them on their latest release, and the recorded possibilities can be heard loud and clear on the pressing. Pair them with a big producer and this band will fly. If City Dog can tweak the performance and keep that intensity going from start to finish they will be a formidable proposition. And then we will have to properly share them with the rest of the world. What great ambassadors for the punk rock spirit of our town they will be.

Green Door Store, Saturday 25th December 2023