Office Dog Unleash New 'Doggerland' EP + Video For 'Dump No Waste, Flows To The Sea'

Office Dog today share their recently announced Doggerland EP, out in Aotearoa and across the ditch via Flying Nun Records, and New West Records everywhere else. Named after a once-populated piece of land that was submerged by the ocean, the EP's seven tracks cement the band as masterful alleviators of sand-rough textures, resolvers of unconventional chord voicings, and vivid captivators of rhythm and narrative. Doggerland pulls back a bit from its predecessor Spiel to stir a gentler haze, with acoustic guitar taking the front seat in more songs. The fresh 'June' sounds like a sonic sister to their debut album’s 'The Crater', 'And Everything' feels like a homecoming, while 'The Surface' breaches waters softly with its slow-burn. There’s also 'Nancy', about singer / guitarist Kane Strang’s grandmother. Produced by De Stevens at Roundhead Studios, Doggerland is ever-experimental with guitar tunings in a collection that tugs and pulls like the tide.

Strang directed a charming video for his self-declared favourite track from the EP 'Dump No Waste, Flows To The Ocean', filmed near his home city of Ōtepoti. The group’s honorary keyboardist Violet Hirst filmed Strang on a flooded, par-submerged playground in the middle of Lake Waihola, where he nabbed his father’s kayak to reach the structure. A clipped aspect ratio, the black-and-white colour grading, and lingering static, wide shot reminded me of a take one might see in a Wes Anderson film.

Winners of the 2023 SRN Award for Te Rōpū Mariu (Favourite Group), Office Dog played some Doggerland and Spiel tunes at Flying Nun’s basement on Auckland’s K Road last month. It sure felt special. Drummer Mitchell Innes noticeably puts his whole being into his live performances, while bassist Rassani Tolovaa propels the band with his hawkeye grooves. The boys are soon touring across North America in support of indie stars and label mates Nada Surf. It’s hard not to appreciate Office Dog for their pensive lyrics which soak warmly through your shirt: There’s the initial touch of balmy tones and imagery, before you realise the lyrics are sticking to your skin…

“With the video, Violet Hirst (cinematographer) and I had the idea earlier this year and stole my dad’s kayak the next day to go film it at Lake Waihola, just outside of Dunedin. Funnily enough, when we showed up to film, there were about 30 people having a lakeside BBQ in front of the water playground we wanted to use. I think they were very confused.” - Kane Strang

'Doggerland' is out today via Flying Nun Records / New West Records on limited clear vinyl 12" and digitally on all major streaming platforms, order your copy HERE.