DIY’s least-kept secret Chase Petra finally unveiled their debut full-length project, an LP called, Lullabies For Dogs. This pleasant sonic conundrum blends the best elements of several different genres to curate and create something entirely new. Perfectly timed as Panic! At The Disco rises from the ashes to celebrate its finest work, Lullabies For Dogs has the potential to be hailed on the same level as A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. The record’s most powerful qualities include emotional depth and vocal delivery of the same caliber as the band’s predecessors. It breaks the fourth wall: listeners must face the realities of living as a touring musician.
“Centrifugal Force” immediately concerns audiences, suggesting that our narrator deals with considerable inner turmoil. Lyrically, the song acts as an inner monologue brought to the spotlight. “I forgot to question the laws of physics,” laments vocalist Hunter Allen. Her strong, healthy belt serves as the song’s centerpiece. Of course, strong instrumentation from the rest of the group provides a strong foundation for vocal delivery. “Centrifugal Force” is the record’s prologue, introducing listeners to its world.
Chase Petra borrows generously from their contemporaries. This is not a replica of A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Rather, subtleties like the drum build in “Catharsis” give that same euphoric energy that Panic! At The Disco encapsulated. Their compositions inspired an entire generation. This natural progression suggests a musical evolution led by groups like Chase Petra. Still, their sound is fresh enough to stand on its own. They need no comparison; however, it is fascinatingly potent, especially in the record’s second track.
“Two Nights in New York” defines the themes of life on the road. The title reveals everything; of course, the song is narrated in terms of an unstable relationship. However, it begs the question: What relationship are they discussing? It would be too easy to assume it’s about a romantic relationship. Given the overall themes of the record, one should look a bit more deeply. Thankfully, the band makes this easy via strong vocal performance and clever composition. The healthy belt towards the end is awe-inspiring.
Next, a Shakespeare reference takes center stage. They directly quote Hamlet in the lyrics: “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” This clever reference adds texture to the song, giving audiences the chance to explore Horatio’s story to get the full context of it. Plus, it works perfectly rhythmically. Sometimes, artists will throw notable references to the wall hoping something sticks. It seems Chase Petra has avoided this creative impasse, instead using text they’re passionate about to guide their narrative. That’s extremely respectable, especially considering the themes in Hamlet that deal with the idea of “selling out.” This is an awesome way to modernize these ideals.
The middle section of the LP is full of goodies. Though called Lullabies For Dogs, there are no dull or sleepy moments. “Icarus” is among the strongest throughout, however, this reviewer may just be a sucker for historical or literary references (English major, sorry!). This Greek myth follows a guy who tried to girlboss too close to the sun. He flew towards it with wings made of glue, eventually falling to his death. It’s a cautionary tale regarding ambition, alluding to the fact that chasing your dreams can sometimes result in a heavy, fatal fall. Chase Petra seems to be acutely aware of the risks that come with potential rewards, insinuating a level-headed approach to living as a musician—perhaps with a few hints of melancholia.
“Because My Own Dog” has some clever wordplay, starting by saying, “we’re not living in sin anymore.” This continues throughout the track, as she croons, “Bulldozer, you don’t want to know her. This song’s approach mirrors the record’s knack for intention. However, it stands out musically; the horn section is simply gorgeous, adding layers that you didn’t know you needed. It’s oddly satisfying, especially as the emotional depth increases with each new lyric, unfolding the story in real-time. Then, it finishes retrospectively, suggesting: “Bulldozer, you would be lucky to know her.”
Lullabies For Dogs transcended all of its potential and made progress. Chase Petra has been working hard to reach this point, and their efforts are not going unnoticed. This debut LP could easily become a breakout record, allowing Chase Petra to break through the DIY underground effortlessly. Their time, energy, and vulnerability stand out among the crowd. Sure, everyone can start a band; however, Chase Petra take things several miles further, wearing their heart on their sleeves and creating art.
They mention weariness surrounding a “sophomore slump,” but they needn’t. Instead, their already diehard fanbase can catapult them to superstardom, should that be their goal. Chase Petra’s ability to modernize familiar tactics and techniques creates an undeniably fresh sound, one desperately needed across any scene, DIY or otherwise.
Photo courtesy of Chase Petra
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