FROM THEIR CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED DEBUT, MELEE, OUT NOW
Our introduction to the character of Dante Hicks in Clerks is oddly similar to the makings of the latest video from Dogleg for “Wartortle,” one of the many standout moments from their breakout debut Melee.
Filmed mere hours before the governor of Michigan declared a statewide, shelter-in-place lockdown, director Austin Vansen expertly captured the young band paying homage to the cult classic film, all the while absolutely shredding the song to bits––something fans have come to expect from the band’s already-iconic live shows.
The video for “Wartortle” is out now:
Anyone lucky enough to catch a Dogleg show before the lockdowns had the chance to challenge bassist Chase Macinski to a round of Super Smash Bros. Melee; beat him and you’ll win free merch. To this day, despite the band having played hundreds of shows across the entire United States (and hopefully soon, playing hundreds more), only a few have claimed this sweet victory.
Their collective obsession with the game is a huge inspiration behind the title of their highly-anticipated debut album, Melee, out now via Triple Crown Records––but there’s so much more going on than meets the eye. In the works for the better part of two years, Melee is a relentless force when it comes to modern rock music, blending aspects of post-punk and emo to create one of the most undeniably impressive debuts of recent years.
Dogleg has been working on Melee for upwards of two years, completely crafting the album from the garage and basement of their home––and it shows. They stay true to their roots of earthy, room-filling, DIY with their home recordings, but have honed their skills with lessons in patient songwriting and production work. Through shredded vocal cords, cascading melodies and scathing commentary on self-doubt, depression, and anxiety, Dogleg takes absolutely no prisoners on their explosive path forward.
“Play fast.” It’s a phrase that has been tied together with the experience of Dogleg since the very beginning, when guitarist Alex Stoitsiadis taped the words to his guitar, signifying to the crowd exactly what they were about to be experiencing. Since that time in 2016, the project has gone from a solo bedroom-emo dream to a mature and fierce four-piece punk force, featuring bassist Chase Macinski, rhythm guitarist Parker Grissom, and drummerJacob Hanlon. In the three years since their inception, Dogleg has been screaming their way out of basements and onto the road with relentless touring schedules, with both crowds and stages growing, and sharing bills alongside the likes of Joyce Manor, Foxing, Oso Oso, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Thin Lips, and more.