Dogs Eating Dogs

Dogs Eating Dogs EP - Blink-182

Following the release of their 2011 reunion album Neighbourhoods, Blink-182 are back with a new 5 track EP Dogs Eating Dogs. Much like their last release, the EP retains the same mature sound of the ‘new’ Blink; no frills, no spills and a distinct lack of their usual tongue-in-cheek humorous lyrics. Despite a promising start with opening track ‘When I Was Young’, which is arguably the most reminiscent of their classic pop-punk sound with its fast pace and energetic rhythm, the energy fails to be maintained, often tailing off towards the end of each song. The title track ‘Dogs Eating Dogs’ does offer some liveliness to the record, although the repetition of the chorus line “dogs, dogs eating dogs, dogs eating” does become rather irritating after a couple of plays. ‘Boxing Day’ is arguably the best and most stand-out track on the EP. It is the only acoustic number and so it brings a different tone and pace to the record, whilst it is certainly the most catchy and interesting to listen to, showing a different side to the usually rambunctious Blink. Closing song ‘Pretty Little Girl’ picks up the pace again with its particularly lively chorus, although sadly the track is ruined by the guest rap from Yelawolf (a particular low point of this EP) towards the songs end which couldn’t be more out of place. The inclusion of a rap just doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the song, leaving you wondering why it was included – suffice to say the song would be much stronger without it.

     On the whole, Dogs Eating Dogs is not a particularly bad record; it’s just not particularly great either. The weaving between fast and slow pace makes the record feel slightly disjointed and lacking in vibrancy, whilst the lyrics within a few of the tracks become irritatingly repetitive. Indeed the whole EP seems to become overly consumed with synthesisers and instrumental sections that, whilst they are melodic, fail to pack the punch. The guitars seem to be lost as a result leaving the EP distinctly lacking the vivacity of their exuberant glory days. Whilst Blink have produced a more mature record and are clearly experimenting with a new sound, the effect is less than satisfying resulting in an EP that is sadly more reminiscent of Angels & Airwaves album. Perhaps Blink are still trying to harness and fully establish their new sound, but this latest effort fails to stir excitement. It’s by no means terrible; it’s just a bit mediocre.

**As seen in The Motion Online**