W: Pinky Hays

NEW EP UNDER THE INFLUENCE OUT NOW

"Rain Dogs expand their artistry with perpetual creativity and a distinct spectrum of sound."

With the release of their latest EP, Under The Influence, electronic post-punk trio Rain Dogs cements their reputation as architects of the atmospheric and the avant-garde. Released via the Naarm/Melbourne label Jpeg Artefacts, the project—comprised of vocalist Tom Murchie, bassist Luke Scott (HighSchool), and guitarist Ju Shung—represents a significant evolution from their 2021 debut. Moving into darker, more "vampiric" territory, the trio expertly balances the raw tension of post-punk with the slick, hypnotic pulses of electronica. The EP is a masterclass in DIY production, self-produced and mixed across London, Melbourne, and China, resulting in a soundscape that feels both global and intimately claustrophobic.

"A masterclass in DIY production, Under The Influence carves out a space that is as immersive as it is atmospheric."

Drawing comparisons to the experimental grit of Moin and the seductive minimalism of HTRK, the five tracks on Under The Influence serve as an immersive exploration of nightlife and hedonism. From the "warbling synths" of "Nights Are Lonely" to the baritone-driven depths of "Neon Dreams," the instrumentation is intentionally stripped back, allowing the discordant, gothic textures to take centre stage. This sonic shift feels like a natural progression for a band that has spent the last few years honing their craft on stages from Berlin to Tokyo. By leaning into a "clear-eyed" yet haunting production style, Rain Dogs have created a project that doesn’t just demand to be heard—it demands to be felt.