Dogrel
by Fontaines D.C.
  • Record Label: PTKF
  • Release Date: Apr 12, 2019
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 77 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 77
  3. Negative: 4 out of 77
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  1. Marcbackman
    Apr 12, 2019
    9
    Having lived in Dublin for a few years, I can say with confidence that this album from Fontaines DC effortlessly exudes the gritty underdog vibe of the city to a tee. With lines like "And the radio is all about a runaway model with a face like sin and a heart like a James Joyce novel", the album feels similar to Joyce's Dubliners/Ulysses as a piece of art that directly channels the energyHaving lived in Dublin for a few years, I can say with confidence that this album from Fontaines DC effortlessly exudes the gritty underdog vibe of the city to a tee. With lines like "And the radio is all about a runaway model with a face like sin and a heart like a James Joyce novel", the album feels similar to Joyce's Dubliners/Ulysses as a piece of art that directly channels the energy of a place and transmutes it into a new form. The band aren't doing anything particularly "new" with their post-punk sound—it's a standard guitar driven style with conversational lyrical delivery ala The Fall—yet the Irish accented vocals and pure narrative that is delivered with gusto about the city itself send this album into fresh new territory. The greyness, the rain, the catholic past that a new generation of Irish are trying to wash off their skin, and small childhoods with big futures—it's all here and it's a joy to hear Dublin personified like this.… Expand
  2. Ricko
    Aug 14, 2019
    9
    While Fontaines DC are a breath of fresh air in the Irish mainstream music scene, it must be said that we have seen this before. Noone seems to be mentioning the great Whipping Boy of the 90's as the precursors to these lads. Fontaines are bit more punk than rock but cant believe the similarities are being highlighted more. Another band that comes to mind are Cork punks (again of the 90's)While Fontaines DC are a breath of fresh air in the Irish mainstream music scene, it must be said that we have seen this before. Noone seems to be mentioning the great Whipping Boy of the 90's as the precursors to these lads. Fontaines are bit more punk than rock but cant believe the similarities are being highlighted more. Another band that comes to mind are Cork punks (again of the 90's) Sultans of Ping. Regardless, these lads are the real deal and you know they must be good when every other band in Ireland hates their guts. The amount of vitriol directed in these lads direction from the general Irish scene is usually saved for Bono an his buds. To the album itself and the music, yes, believe the hype, its really good. The Dubilin (sic) accent might grate for some after awhile but its what makes the album stand out so much and is the perfect foil of the excellent, brooding post punk music that accompanies it. The songs are very strong and incredibly mature for a debut album. This is a tip of the hat as much to Shane Macgowan as it is to the likes of Sex Pistols and Joy Division. The common thread is a rallying against what is expected. One of the most memorable albums of 2019 and I look forward to seeing what these guys do next. They could go anywhere with their sound and their potential is immense.… Expand
  3. lulabymusic
    Apr 16, 2019
    9
    Energetic young guys skillfully “tear up” their instruments and confess their love for their hometown Dublin, its history and the smells of city pubs.
    :
    ____ I bet that there won't be a better debut album this year - the guys from Ireland have set the bar too high.
    ​
  4. Bmccormick40
    May 6, 2019
    4
    Not outright bad, and that's a problem. I would have preferred bad to simply boring. Dogrel is an album that, at best, offers a glimmer of something better, bigger, maybe original, but can't quite stumble its way out of the dark. It feels frustratingly limited, in every sense of the word.

    Fontaines DC make general stabs in several directions, and at least they ape some good bands while    Not outright bad, and that's a problem. I would have preferred bad to simply boring. Dogrel is an album that, at best, offers a glimmer of something better, bigger, maybe original, but can't quite stumble its way out of the dark. It feels frustratingly limited, in every sense of the word.

    Fontaines DC make general stabs in several directions, and at least they ape some good bands while doing so. Roy's Tune sounds like the most insipid song The Smiths never got around to making fronted by Parquet Court's Andrew Savage at his most ambivalent and deadpan. Hurricane Laughter seems to slouch in the direction of Viagra Boys or Protomartyr, but lacks the clever sneer of the former and the resigned anger of the latter. The song gets stuck in a four-note sequence from which it can't escape; all bones and no meat.

    Even Too Real, perhaps the most likeable tune here, wrings dissonance, impotent guitar theatrics, and non-key vocals for all they're worth, effectively turning what could have been original elements into more pastels in the band's arsenal full of them. When you realize singer Grian Chatten is asking over and over, "Is it too real for yaaa?" it makes you want to respond in the affirmative, and plead with him to get some imagination.

    It doesn't help that Chatten closely toes the line of insouciant indie rock cliche: Is he a singer who just isn't bothered by the way the syllables are coming out of his mouth or is it a case of no **** given as shorthand for "cool?" It disappoints me to have to pose that question.    … Expand
  5. Deathcow
    Aug 31, 2019
    7
    This is a solid debut album, but there is awful lot of filler for an album as highly praised as this one. Not one of the year's best albums, but leaves me looking forward to what they do next.
  6. lovezero
    May 3, 2019
    10
    simply one of the best albums of 2019 yet. it's like a shining star in this music industry garbage.
  7. hzy0421
    May 13, 2019
    7
    The poetic songwriting and Dublin references abound. This is a nostalgic yet energetic debut with lofty ambitions.
  8. Arivinyl
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    Kick-ass debut album from Dublin City. One of the best in 2019 so far. Highly recommended post punk record
  9. Christoph1955
    Aug 6, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Near perfect debut. Roaring guitars, pounding bass and lyrics that take you on a journey through Dublins fading present… Expand
  10. AliGLCFC
    Jun 14, 2020
    9
    Gritty debut album that makes me feel nostalgic about a city I've never been to. Seems to give a very down to earth impression of what life is like growing up in Ireland, with poetic lyricism mixed with driving guitars and drums to create a very intense sound. Best tracks are Hurricane Laughter, Liberty Belle, and Chequeless Reckless
  11. TheGoobles
    Apr 21, 2022
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There is one moment of real greatness here. Boys in the Better Land will be blaring out of rock mixes for years to come.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Best Album of 2019
24
#24 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. PopMatters
    Dec 2, 2019
    70
    Post-punk has new blood coursing through its veins, transcendently authentic, and boisterously good. You'll want to give Dogrel a listen.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    Jun 26, 2019
    80
    Although it paints a picture that best fits a degraded postcard, it's relatable in its own earnest way with a poetic air and a sense of urgency.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    May 10, 2019
    80
    They're smart, clueless, and ready to take the festival circuit by storm.
    Read full review
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