Fat Dog

South London-based electro/punk band Fat Dog mix techno, rock, and rave in an effort to capture the spirit of chaotic times, believing that it's better not to think too much and just enjoy the moment. Formed in South London by Joe Love as a reaction to the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, the band was born of the frustration that he felt at the time; he wanted to make music that he could vent all his madness and energy through. He started out making electronic music in his bedroom -- including a few gigs where he performed to a backing track -- eventually assembling a band and adapting it for instruments. Originally this consisted of drummer Johnny "Doghead" Dutch (who earned his nickname because of the latex dog mask he wears on-stage), bassist Ben Harris, keyboardist Will, and co-vocalist Jazz. The latter two were replaced by Morgan Wallace and Chris Hughes, respectively. Hughes originally auditioned to play viola, despite not knowing how to play the instrument. His confidence paid off, as Will left the band shortly afterward and Love had taken a liking to Hughes' confidence. Before they had even released anything, they gained a reputation for their boisterous live shows, preferring to rely on word of mouth rather than social media, which aided their reputation and helped them form a community. With hype building up around them, they signed to Domino Records in 2023, despite not having any music available to the public. This changed later the same year after they released the single "King of the Slugs," a sprawling seven-minute descent into chaos that features a melody evocative of the ancient pyramids. Harris left the band the following year, replaced by Jacqui Wheeler just in time for the release of their debut album, 2024's WOOF. They brought in Simian Mobile Disco's James Ford as a co-producer alongside Love.
© Liam Martin /TiVo