By:Lizette Guerra-Medrano

I am happy to report that the “Keep Austin Weird” spirit is alive and well in A Giant Dog’s new album, Toy– released August 25th 2017 by Merge Records.

The harmonic chemistry between lead singer Sabrina Ellis and guitarist Andrew Cashen along with grity-grungy-dancy-garage style riffs, makes you want to sing along-Freddie Mercury style while dancing the “Elaine”. If you can imagine that, it should bring a smile to your face and THAT is part of the O.G. Austinite spirit- just good ol’ fashion fun. Other band members include Daniel Blanchard- drums, Graham Low- bass and Andy Bauer- guitar.

The first official video from the Toy album is for the song, “Bendover.” It cleverly combines the musical styles of David Bowie and Nirvana then mixes it all up in a bowl of sexually frustrated and empowered lyrics.

The track titled, “Fake Plastic Trees” perfectly captures the essence of Austin with fast power chords, up-beat drums, saucy singing and free spirited lyrics about never having a car to drive, being depressed if not having fun, eating tangerines, watching The Terminator and yes…even a visit to Whataburger- the jewel of Texas burger joints. In the end, you still have “shit to do.”

This album can whisk you away to a place of no bullshit and pure feelings. Very refreshing, indeed.

A Giant Dog are on tour now with stops at Meltasia Music Festival,Gonerfest & Sound On Sound Fest.

Aug 29 New Orleans, LA – Gasa Gasa
Aug 30 Birmingham, AL – Syndicate Lounge
Aug 31 Nashville, TN – Fond Object
Sep 01 Knoxville, TN – The Pilot Light
Sep 02 Durham, NC – The Pinhook
Sep 03 Washington, DC – DC9
Sep 05 Baltimore, MD – Ottobar
Sep 06 Richmond, VA – Strange Matter
Sep 07 Philadelphia, PA – Kung Fu Necktie
Sep 08 Jersey City, NJ – Monty Hall
Sep 09 East Durham, NY – Meltasia Music Festival
Sep 10 Boston, MA – O’Brien’s
Sep 12 Brooklyn, NY – Rough Trade
Sep 13 Cleveland, OH – Happy Dog
Sep 15 Detroit, MI – UFO Factory
Sep 17 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
Sep 20 Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Social Club
Sep 22 Tulsa, OK – Mercury Lounge
Sep 23 Dallas, TX – Three Links
Sep 28 Memphis, TN – Gonerfest
Nov 1-2 Austin, TX – Sound On Sound Fest

Band Info: Facebook Website Instagram