The Yellow Dogs and illegal rock – live at Cameo on 03.11

Tell me a story about how your band formed. Yawn, I’m already bored. Besides, it can’t compare with The Yellow Dogs‘ story. How, you ask? Well, is rock ‘n roll illegal where you grew up?
It is in Iran. Like some kind of rock ‘n roll superheroes, The Yellow Dogs assembled a soundproofed hidden practice space, and hosted illegal underground shows. And you thought booking a show in the LES was difficult.
Once they started making waves they had to get out, and headed to the US, which is where this blog entry comes in. They’re going to be playing some shows at SXSW, and if you’re in the area, I strongly encourage you to check them out. The influence of the early 2000s garage rock revival (revival?) is clear, mixed with a bit of dance punk. To make comparisons, they sound a bit like a combination of Bloc Party and The Cribs. If they weren’t Iranian, they’d be British, is what I’m saying basically.
Check out "Gastronomic Meal" and "Dragonflower" which is their newer stuff. The breakdown on "Dragonflower" is joyfully dischordant, and the good-hearted silliness of "Gastronmic Meal" makes for a good stomper. –allison levin