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.
EVENT PREVIEWS
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(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse is producing Concert for a Cure, a three-part show highlighting three different musical acts on June 28, 2026, as a special fundraising event for three different cancer organizations: the American Cancer Society (ACS), Gilda's Club of Linwood, and Wigs & Wishes by Martino Cartier of Sewell. The event will feature three original musical acts: Tide ll Moon, a Philadelphia- based indie rock band formed by Drexel University film students; Steven Lemon, a South Jersey indie pop/rock/folk artist with a songwriting career that spans two decades; and Rachel Burghen, a dynamic South Jersey crossover artist known for her soaring pop sound, accompanied by Brian Conover on piano.
Brandon Tomasello to open Ocean City Pops Season with One-Man Rat Pack Spectacular on June 28th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Acclaimed vocalist and entertainer Brandon Tomasello will open the 2026 Ocean City Pops season with his highly anticipated "One-Man Rat Pack" concert on Sunday, June 28, at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The Rat Pack will come to life musically on stage as local favorite Tomasello presents the timeless and unmistakable sounds of this remarkable musical era. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Vogel presents Billy Bragg with special guest Sweet Petunia on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 8:00pm. Limited tickets remain.
Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul to Headline Concert at ParkStage on July 3rd
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 3, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, Low Cut Connie, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
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(NEWARK, NJ) -- Flamingosis is the stage name of Aaron Velasquez, a New Jersey-based DJ, beatboxer, and electronic music producer who is coming to Newark Culture Club on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10:00pm. A special set by one world's leading DJs/producers!
The Sandbox at Seastreak presents Badfish on July 4th
(HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- Badfish is a vibe. Badfish is a sonic house party complete with plenty of gyrating fans sipping libations and enjoying various extracurricular activities. Simply put, Badfish is feel-good music. See for yourself when Badfish performs at The Sandbox at Seastreak on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:00pm. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday!
MPAC presents Darren Criss on July 9th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center for an all-new solo show on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8:00pm. Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox's hit TV show Glee, Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.
2026 Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival to Take Place July 11-12
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.
bergenPAC presents Warrant on July 12th
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
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