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
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
HOT 97's Summer Jam 2026 to Take Place July 24th at Prudential Center
(NEWARK, NJ) -- HOT 97, New York's #1 station for Hip Hop, is once again bringing the culture's biggest night back to the tri-state area with Summer Jam 2026, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective, Summer Jam continues its legacy as the most iconic Hip Hop concert in the world.
Strand Center for the Arts presents Lover Taylor - Tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Swifties of all ages are invited to sing, dance and celebrate the music of one of pop's biggest superstars when Lover Taylor – Tribute to Taylor Swift comes to the Strand Center for the Arts on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents interACT Sings: Around the World on July 24-25, 2026 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. This is a first-class musical journey to benefit the theatre company's 2026-27 season. A cocktail hour takes place at 6:30pm; showtime is 7:30pm.
"The Boardwalk Sessions" Aims to Change How Independent Artists are Supported at the Jersey Shore
(TINTON FALLS, NJ) -- Loudly Inclusive Media Collective will present The Boardwalk Sessions, a free, two-night live music showcase on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5:00pm–10:00pm at Twin Lights Brewing in Tinton Falls. More than just a concert series, The Boardwalk Sessions was created to celebrate original music while demonstrating a different model for supporting independent artists: one built on fair compensation, authentic community, and meaningful opportunities to connect with audiences.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
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