Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
We are all summoned by the sound of someone else’s bell, some will become accustomed to the conditioning that they slaver and slave to produce the required response, others will timidly follow suit in the hope they are seen to be seen, their entire existence it seems is to bow and beg to the hand that feeds; and then there are those who hear the bell, understand that it is time to shine, but will go out of their way to fight for what is right, to bite the hand that feeds if needs be, if it means others are set free to be exactly who they want to be.
It is the snarl and expression of Tankard, the ultimate drinking band who have kept fans and gig goers entertained with their arguably unique presentation of metal, that the smile of music is as wide as it ever was, and on the back of the release of the vinyl box set A Thousand Beers, Pavlov’s Dawgs is a huge reminder that even in a time of fear, there is always a moment to release the tension, a moment to prick the pomposity of the creators and tormentors, and in typical style and brilliance of feeling, Tankard engage with the world once more as they blow the foam the glass and drink heavily from the inspiration in their view.
The ring of control, the rapid clang of manipulation, the sense of stage-managed engineering…these emotional directions are left at the door of others who feel the need sway the thoughts of the listener; not so with Tankard, Pavlov’s Dawgs is domination by decree, an axis of authority that is mindful of its power, and as tracks such as Ex-Fluencer, the excellent Diary Of A Nihilist, thesatire of Lockdown Forever, Metal Cash Machine, and the finale of On The Day I Die, inflame the senses and lift the lid of the home brew with honour and clarity of possession.
After A Thousand Beers you would be forgiven for thinking the crate and the brewery were empty, but Tankard will always have access to another distillery, a public house in which all are welcome. Listen out for the bell, for Pavlov’s Dawgs are straining at the leash to entertain and regale.
Ian D. Hall