This November we will be celebrating Shadowland by Dog Trumpet as the BBCR 92.7FM Album of the Month. Shadowland, which was released in 2002, is the eighth studio album for the Australian band comprised of brothers Reg Mombasa (AKA Cris O’Doherty) and Peter O’Doherty. If those names sound familiar it is because Reg and Pete began their musical careers playing and writing for iconic Australian band, Mental as Anything.
Shadowland is a distinctive blending of psychedelia, folk and blues. The album probes the perils and absurdities of human existence, kicking off with the title track Shadowland, a nervous musing on digital over-surveillance, followed by Nina Simone, a song reflecting on romance and memory. F***ing Idiots points out the shameful idiocy of our addiction to war and militarism; The Ballad of Clayton Looby is an anti-establishment ode to a larrikin surfer.
Charm oozes from the lyrics, the singing and appealing melodies. Part of it is down to the absence of posturing, part to the way the catchiness of pop is anchored to earthy groves.
When not making albums and touring both brothers are also accomplished visual artists, Reg is well known for his work on the Mambo label while Pete’s fine art painting focuses on the urban built environment.
As part of their Shadowland Tour, Dog Trumpet will be playing at The Milton Theatre, Milton on November 25th.