Bad//Dreems are one of those bands defined by their imperfections – hell, their band name is an intentional misspelling. They make sunburnt, scraggly and scrawny pub-rock that’s spoiling for a fight just as often as it’s lamenting over the past into its drink. In their brief time in the public eye, the Adelaide foursome have already made quite the impression as a band to watch, leading us to their all-important debut album.
There’s payoff for long-time fans on Dogs at Bay – the re-recorded versions of early singles Dumb Ideas and My Only Friend add some extra kick; while live favourite Bogan Pride is all urgent guitar and colossal build-up, putting forward a pretty solid case for being the band’s best track. There’s also a nod to the homegrown balladry of The Triffids and The Church on Hume and closer Sacred Ground, revealing a degree of versatility previously unheard from the Adelaide natives.
Not every track is on point – perhaps one or two numbers toward the back could have been cut. Still, as far as debut efforts go, there’s considerable weight to Dogs at Bay.
BY DAVID JAMES YOUNG
