“The Ocean and The Sea,” Bird Dog’s lead single on their debut album Hello Latigo, grabs you with its reverent calling, drawing to mind the vocal harmonies of the Avett Brothers (but as if the Avetts were playing arenas these days). The song builds, driving an imaginary tempo-change, tossing in woodblock hits and a bass line as it moves from the beginning’s tranquil birdsong to a chugging guitar bridge that heads, presumably, to the ocean and the sea. Check it out if you’re into sweeping grand folk like the Kings of Leon but still down-to-earth.
You can catch them at 3Clubs in Hollywood on April 22nd or the Hotel Cafe on May 1st. – Brian J.K. Regan