It's been a few years since I went through my surf-punk phase, every morning cranking the speedy rhythms and off-key harmonies to whip me into an energetic state suitable for surfing at 6 A.M. No Use for a Name, Pennywise, NOFX, Face to Face...those were the days.
Dogwood's fourth album, More Than Conquerors, brings it all back. They've been one of Christian punk's most mature-sounding bands in recent years, known for their variety-conscious mixing of hardcore and rock sounds into the fray. Their self-titled last album was released independently but sold more copies in their native San Diego than simultaneous releases by more well-known hometowners like Blink 182, Unwritten Law, and Sprung Monkey.
That probably helped earn them a spot on Tooth & Nail's roster with More Than Conquerors. Their opportunity to reach a much larger audience, however, finds them streamlined and solidly in the pop punk pocket. They've sacrificed their uniqueness for a tried and true formula. Dogwood still sounds a bit more manly and muscular in the vocals and guitars than the likes of MxPx and Slick Shoes, and they're still mixing it up with variations on tempo, vocals, and guitar tones; but it would have been nice to hear something other than extremely competent semi-imitation of popular punk sounds. After a few listens, though, you tend to forget any complaints. These guys are tight.
The lyrics are serious and mature, fulfilling the album's title with imagery-laden tales of personal struggle. The album begins with downtrodden songs like "Suffer" and "Feel the Burn" but progresses to Christcore positivity with "The Pain is Gone" and the title track at the end. Solid.
I would have expected more creativity and musical experimentation from Dogwood's "big" label bust-out rather than the safe road they've taken, but at least they drive it fast and drive it well. This is one of the most authentic Christian pop punk records made to date.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
7ball #26Reviewed by Melody AlexanderDogwood has been around for awhile. Now signed to Tooth and Nail Records, the guys are back again, and sounding tighter and faster than ever. More Than Conquerors is a punk record full of adrenaline, powerful guitars, and edgy vocals that fans of bands such as Pennywise, Lagwagon and NoFx will love. They've also made fans playing with popular secular punk bands like Strung Out and Millincollin.…HM Magazine #78Reviewed by Doug Van PeltI've been a fan of this band's hooky punk music since seeing them live at Tomfest a few years ago. There's a sense of joy that emanates from the vocals of Josh, which is backed up by memorable rhythms and a solid beat. They take the urgency found in hardcore and make it pop enough to attract the chicks. While not questioning the band's motives (I'm just joking!), the infectious pop hooks put the…Similar sounding releases
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