Dune Dogs – Higher Ground (2022)
Describing themselves as an “alternative beach-rock band”, US-based foursome Dune Dogs have a laidback, chilled, but also hard-hitting sound filled with a passionate attitude. Formed in 2019 by school friends Nick Bernarducci (lead vocals), Nick Brescio (lead guitar), Beau Colvin (bass and keyboards) and Ben Buckley (drums), Dune Dogs has established itself as a fixture in their local music scene. Featured on Nova Music Blog, Less Than 1000 Followers, Send Me Your Ears, and various playlists, the lads are reaching audiences far beyond their US borders. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Higher Ground’.
Following their full-length album After A While, ‘Higher Ground’ achieves exactly what Dune Dogs want to achieve with their music – “drawing from old genres and styles to create something new that people will love”. Blending elements of indie-rock, surf-rock and funk, ‘Higher Ground’ is a rock song you could lie back and listen to on repeat. The reggae bounce of Bernaducci’s vocals weaves elegantly through the track presenting a groovy vibe. The thing is, while ‘Higher Ground’ is an easy song to listen to, it is the juxtaposition between soothing and poignant lyricism that makes it more profound.
Touching on the topic of unrequited love, Dune Dogs reach deep down into your soul and drag out the gritty anxiety of living in a one-way love affair. Frustration, angst, vulnerability, inner turmoil and confusion ooze forth from ‘Higher Ground’ making you feel the fragility of the person being rejected. The question of whether you should merely accept the rejection or stick around in the hope they change their mind lingers enhancing the vulnerable ambience.
So, what do I think of Dune Dogs and ‘Higher Ground’? It all comes down to a single word: masterful. Elegantly teetering on an intimate sonic embrace but with fearful undertones, ‘Higher Ground’ perfectly encapsulates complex human emotions.
For more from Dune Dogs check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
