M(H)AOL SHARE THIRST TRAP OF NOISE ‘I MISS MY DOG’
SINGLE REVIEW | M(H)AOL – I MISS MY DOG by Anne Kelly
Emerging as one of the most thrilling new acts from Ireland’s vibrant creative scene, self proclaimed intersectional feminist trio M(h)aol (pronounced Male) are rapidly building a ferocious reputation for their raw, unapologetic approach to the post-punk delicacy. With their brand new album Something Soft set for reveal next month (16th May), this week M(h)aol release their latest teaser, single ‘I Miss My Dog’.
Based in Dublin, Belfast, and London, M(h)aol are Constance Keane (She/Her), Jamie Hyland (She/Her), and Sean Nolan (He/Him). On the song, Constance Keane shares, “’I Miss My Dog’ is a song about my dog Poppy, and the experience of losing a pet. She passed away in July last year, and I still sometimes wake up thinking she’s with us. I think losing a dog is something that people either understand or they don’t, and this is a song for those of us that do.”
A far cry from the sentimental serenade you may expect of a song about missing your dog, M(h)aol opt for a bruit rattle. ‘I Miss My Dog’ evokes a profound sense of despair intertwined with raw grief. It begins with dissonant feedback that steadily intensifies, incorporating abrasive guitars and offbeat rhythms. As the track progresses, it spirals into a chaotic blend of sound, featuring Keane’s poignant line, “You should be here,” which eventually intertwines with the music before it’s premature ending.
The minimalist approach is both intriguing and frustrating. Feeling a tad unfinished, the track could have went bigger if it was given another minute or so in length. Despite this, the song fulfills its purpose and the last time I checked, leaving you craving more was definitely NOT a criticism. M(h)aol strike as a band who are at their peak live, and songs like ‘I Miss My Dog’ will undeniably grow arms and legs given the freedom of the stage.
M(h)aol are an infectiously refreshing band. Injecting their endearing Irish wit alongside cacaphonic wall of sound, ‘I Miss My Dog’ is thirst trap for noise. Make sure to indulge yourself in the action now.
New album Something Soft is released May 16th via Merge Records – Pre-order NOW
You can catch M(h)aol live on their recently announced UK tour in September, as well as a limited run of album launch shows in May on the dates below:
16 May – The George Tavern, London
18 May – Le Botaniques, Brussels
20 May – Rough Trade East, London
17 Sep – Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow
18 Sep – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
19 Sep – Future Yard, Birkenhead
20 Sep – Headrow House, Leeds
23 Sep – Heartbreakers, Southampton
24 Sep – The Louisiana, Bristol
25 Sep – Rough Trade, Nottingham
26 Sep – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
27 Sep – SOUP, Manchester
Full listings and tickets available HERE.
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