In their own words….
“Storybooks for Small Dogs… are a terminally warped band who exude refreshing quantities of wit, wisdom, swagger and style”, Hotpress, 11th March, 2010, CD of the fortnight.
“[Storybooks for Small Dogs’] Donkey Work… quite possibly the best song I’ve heard in 2010 so far!”, 2UI Bestow Music Blog, 11th March 2010, 11 out of 12.
“The band is refreshingly different than the usual on the Dublin scene. Their catchy tunes are coupled with clever, quirky lyrics and some nice aggressive guitar.” Heineken Music, 16th March 2010. 4.5 stars out of 5.
Storybooks for Small Dogs comprises of guitarist and lead vocalist Alan Carmody, bassist Brian Shiels and drummer Richard Cullen. A power pop trio, Storybooks for Small Dogs make an atypical indie-pop racket with a fine line in lyrically precocious and highly melodic tunes.
The group aim to be accessible but challenging as they adopt the sonic influences of The Strokes, The Pixies, The Smiths, Weezer and Nirvana in combination with lyrics that take the kitchen-sink vignettes of The Arctic Monkeys and Pete Doherty with the wry wit of a Coen brothers movie. A band with a sense of humour, style and irony, Storybooks for Small Dogs were designed for the 21st century.
Beginning in December 2008, the band have gone from strength to strength, creating artistically innovative music while playing some of Ireland’s top venues and landing a much sought after slot at 2009’s “Oxegen”; Ireland’s biggest music festival. They have also supported higher profile artists such as Finley Quaye, Republic of Loose and The Chapters, amongst others.
Working with multi-platinum and award winning producer Mark Cahill the band recorded their eponymously titled debut E.P. Therein can be found ample evidence of Storybooks for Small Dogs’ ability to combine musical, visual and literary acumen creating a complete and fully rounded modern musical experience. Their songs have received local and national airplay in Ireland and the U.K. and glowing coverage in music blogs, newspapers and magazines.
2010 promises to be Storybooks for Small Dogs annus mirabilis with tours, festivals, management, PR and record deals currently being negotiated. Plans for their debut single are now being finely tuned in collaboration with another highly regarded music producer, while showcase gigs in the UK and America are being finalised. Storybooks for Small Dogs are probably the most promising new Irish band on the scene as they offer a unique and intelligent take on contemporary Rock ‘n’ Roll; what they refer to in their lyrics as “claustrophobic egotism dressed as art.”
This band rocks!