November Dog are an emerging talent rising out of the burgeoning Belfast music scene. Having spent a year locked in the practice room writing and developing the bands’ sound they are now ready to let us all in on the secret. Debut single ‘How I’ve Been’ is the first glimpse behind the curtain November Dog are putting out for offer. Recorded and produced by the bands’ own Shaun Carlin, who has worked previously with Queens University Student Orchestra amongst others. ‘How I’ve Been’ drips with effortless cool, as the band showcase their lo-fi slacker 90’s college rock sound. Delicate starry keys provide counter melody against vocals that sing of feeling under appreciated and unseen by those around them. A fuzzed out solo completes the slacker palette as the band combine influences that range from Beck, to M83 to Weezer and the lowkey pop end of grunge.
November Dog – How I’ve Been (Spotify Link)
The band formed around primary songwriters Scott Hanna (lead guitar, vocals) and Danny Cockroft (keys) who are joined by Shaun Carlin (bass) and Michael McCorry (drums). Despite the bulk of the writing being done by Scott and Danny, it’s not until they bring it to the band and every brings their own perspective to the track does it start to sound like November Dog. It’s this unique mix we hear on new single ‘How I’ve Been’.
The track begins inconspicuously as Scott’s guitar is joined by a delicate melody from Danny’s Alesis keys. The band say they aim for authenticity, being down-to earth while also sounding a little up in space. The keys certainly have a hint of Air’s seminal album Moon Safari, gently twinkling stars lighting the canvas of the song. As we hit the chorus guitars are treated to a gentle overdrive, never pushing into full distortion but helping provide a lift. Shaun’s bass provides a melodic anchor for Scott’s vocals, while Michael’s drum provide the gentle push for the song, never obtrusive as the feel of the song dictates. Lyrically Scott says, “The track is written from the perspective of someone who doesn’t feel appreciated enough. This could be a friend, a lover, even family. It’s an anthem for anyone who’s has finally learnt their value”.
When it came time to record the band didn’t have far to look as Shaun stepped up to take on production responsibilities, bringing his own intimate knowledge of the band to the recording. Splitting their time between Blackstaff recording studio, a main stay that any Belfast native will know and the makeshift studio in Shaun’s house he was able to capture the vibe of the track.
‘How I’ve Been’ gives us the first taste of what November Dog are capable of, it’s a perfect slice of slacker indie pop that becomes a rally cry for those sick of feeling unseen and finally knowing their worth.