Puppy have had a very busy couple of years seemingly touring non-stop, whether it’s their own various tours, supporting big-hitters like CKY, Creeper, and Conan, and playing numerous festivals such as Download and Slam Dunk, the trio have kept themselves very occupied. The main question on everyone’s lips, however, was when are they going release a full album and will The Goat (Spinefarm) live up to the expectations set by their prior two EPs and live show?
To put it short and bluntly; Puppy have done that and more, bringing all that is great about their previous releases and turning it up several notches.
Simply put, the riffs are massive. Right off the bat with ‘Black Hole’, Puppy launch into a hard-hitting, head-banging groove. Jack Norton’s clean voice chimes in, and while the two contrasting sounds should in theory clash massively the result, however, is much different, similar to the likes of nineties stars Deftones and Smashing Pumpkins as the lighter hooks and melodies blossom out of the sludgy-doomy riffs, each chorus entangling itself into your memory with no hope of removing that earworm until the next set of tantalising lyrics start to serenade.
In comparison to their previous two EPs, not much has changed to their own individual sound, but the cleaner, smoother production brings out the rhythm and flow of the instruments and breakdowns to a new level. Their big hit from Vol.2, ‘Entombed’ gets a fresh coat of paint which in turn creates extra layers that add so much to the Around The Fur (Maverick) era, Deftones-esque anthem. ‘I Feel An Evil’ brings out a different side of the trio with bassist, Will Michael, stepping up on vocals, creating a punky, Volbeat vibe, that show the band isn’t one to stick to particular roles or formulas in the band.
Over the course of the past couple of years, Puppy has increasingly gotten attention from mainstream outlets and it seems no matter whether you’re an aged classic Metalhead or an Indie kid, there’s something in the band’s music to enjoy. In essence, The Goat, takes everything that was great about Puppy and hones in creating both an abrasive, captivating listen that will stick to your tongue, leaving you with whiplash after the twentieth listen in a row.
8 / 10
CHARLIE HILL