IINTRODUCING: CITY DOG - ASBO Magazine

NEW SINGLE 'KAYDEN' OUT NOW

City Dog began not in a garage, but in a Year 7 canteen over the last cookie, where singer Deri and drummer Keelan quickly moved from confrontation to collaboration. That initial covers band evolved through puberty and COVID into the current iteration of City Dog. The lineup was solidified recently with the addition of bassist Aaron, who joined after meeting the others at 2000 Trees, bonding over a mutual appreciation for The Prodigy, Unwound, and PJ Harvey, coupled with a shared disdain for capitalism and societal collapse.

The Sound & The Vibe

They describe their music as "surprisingly tight" despite the sporadic, un-clicked tempos, fueled purely by raw energy. City Dog seeks inspiration from bands like Maruja, prioritizing their own distinct sound and trusting that an audience will find them over time, rather than chasing trends. When it comes to influences, they point to Metz, praising the band's last album as refined, huge, and distinctly their own.

Their creative process isn't forced; they believe good songs "flow like fish in a river," requiring inspiration and luck rather than a rigid formula. If they were to collaborate, UNKLE or DJ Shadow would be their top picks.

The New Single: Kayden

Their new single, "Kayden," released on October 17th, challenges the "draining of colour as we come of age." Inspired by their day jobs caring for kids at summer camps, the melancholic track contrasts childhood memories of imagination with the adult fear of imminent destruction—whether self-inflicted, or imposed by political unrest. Kayden is a longing to return to the world of imagination they watch over between festivals and studio time.

The Grind

When asked about their strength and weakness, they point to the same thing: their unwavering commitment. They battle self-doubt, financial struggles, car breakdowns, and empty shows, but that struggle "fuels the fire." They love what they do and "can’t imagine not doing it." Finance is a constant, difficult obstacle, which they overcome by working in childcare and managing venues, constantly "skimping, borrowing, or hustling" to make it work.

The pre-show routine is basic—brainless chat, hair scuffing, and making set plans that are instantly abandoned once the lights drop, with Deri being the self-proclaimed diva of the group.

On the Road

The band has a massive schedule to close out 2025. They kicked off a sold-out tour with Kid Kapachi starting in Guildford, followed by a hometown show at The Concorde 2 in Brighton. Following that, they'll be hitting the road with The Wytches and then Pop Will Eat Itself, culminating in their biggest show to date at The Tramshed in Cardiff. They also plan to sneak in some unannounced, last-minute "sweatbox" Christmas shows/parties in December.