By Bob Makin
originally published: 03/15/2023
Fans of 311, O.A.R. and Slightly Stoopid will dig the reggae-tinged jam ‘n’ groove of Dogs in a Pile’s sophomore LP, “Bloom.”
And longtime fans of the Asbury Park jam band will be glad to hear that they live up to that title with a maturation of their songwriting and vocal harmonies to match their always stellar musicianship.
The nine-song follow-up to the 2021 debut LP, “Not Your Average Beagle,” opens with the album’s first single, “Today.” The dreamy reggae-pop nugget ala 311 ponders loneliness in the age of social media.
Both “Bent Strange” and “Stranger” make me think that the boys have been listening to Depeche Mode and Duran Duran on the tour bus because both have a fun ‘80s danceable rock vibe. The former is an ode to a love who plays hard to get, while the latter is Joy Division eerie.
“All the Same” is a love song fueled by empathy and a soulful gospel blues, especially the stunning organ playing throughout by keyboardist Jeremy Kaplan and a tasty guitar solo by Jimmy Law. “Fenway,” another 311-tasty track, lives up to a longtime live version with cool ambient keyboard vibes, freaky tiki wordplay and one of the most stirring guitar solos you could hope to hear.
The Dogs then channel Steely Dan on “Hesitate” with a slick, jazzy, harmonic vibe reminiscent of “Josie” that will appeal not only to jam ‘n’ groove fans but also those of the yacht rock variety.
In a tale about a rock ‘n’ roll vagabond, the band gives a nod to AyCee with the ever-funky fan live favorite “Trunk Rum,” featuring thick-as-molasses grooves thanks to the rhythm section of bassist Sam Lucid and drummer Joey Babick, muscular jazz-blues guitar solos, and punchy horn lines. Continuing on the rum tip, the sugar cane sweet and equally pretty “Rum & Roses” has a Randy Meisner vibe that fans of The Eagles and other soft rock will enjoy, especially the rich, mellow vocal by Sam. Another Randy — Newman — comes to mind with bouncy earnestness of the closing “Say Something” that serves the kind emotional wallop of “Louisiana 1927” over the piano charm of “Ragtime.” A soaring sax solo by Ben Pinnola, a fantastic multi-instrumentalist from Long Island, helps bring the impressive album to a fitting close.
All the tracks were co-written by various members — mainly vocalists-guitarists Jimmy Law and Brian Murray — except for “Fenway,” which was composed by Brian alone. The guitar tandem share lead vocal duties either alone or together throughout. Producer Chris Pappas also shares in some of the writing credit.
Relentless road warriors, The Dogs’ tour schedule will bring them from New York and New England to the Midwest and Colorado before heading to Iceland in May to join forces with the Disco Biscuits. A jam-packed festival season will include Skull & Roses in Ventura, Calif.; Dark Star Jubilee in Thornville, Ohio; Summer Camp Music Fest in Chillicothe, Ill.; Electric Forest in Rothbury, Mich.; Hog Farm Hideaway in Laytonville, Calif., and Peach Fest in Scranton, Pa.
Find out more at https://dogsinapileofficial.com.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
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(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
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Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
MPAC presents Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love Concert on August 20th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Relive the memories, share the spirit and celebrate the songs of the Woodstock Generation when Glen Burtnik's Summer of Love concert comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Middletown Arts Center presents an Indoor Summer Nights Singer-Songwriter Showcase on August 20th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center invites music lovers to an Indoor Summer Nights Concert: Singer/Songwriter Showcase on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the MAC Theater. Enjoy an evening of original music and exceptional live performances from some of New Jersey’s talented singer-songwriters, including Shotgun Bill, Dan Toye, Christian Beach, Michael Brett, Erika Sherger, Frank Patrouch, Jim Crawford, Roger Gardella, Kevin Liebkemann, and Stu Coogan. Showtime is 7:00pm.
51st NJ Clearwater Festival to Take Place August 22-23 in Asbury Park
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Friends of Clearwater is proud to announce the 51st NJ Clearwater Festival, taking place on August 22-23, 2026, at Bradley Park in Asbury Park, NJ, directly across from the boardwalk at Convention Hall. Hours: Saturday, 12:00pm-10:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-7:00pm.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Vegas Country Show August 21-23, 2026. Get ready for a night of country hits, high energy, and pure star power as Vegas Country brings the music of Shania Twain and Tim McGraw to life.
WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach series presents Nicole Atkins on August 27th
(BRADLEY BEACH, NJ) -- WBJB's Songwriters on the Beach presents Nicole Atkins on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7:00pm. Cory Blair will open the night. The free outdoor concert takes place at the Newark Avenue Beach in Bradley Beach. ** The show was rescheduled from July 16th due to the Air Quality Alert issued across New Jersey.
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