Formed at the beginning of the decade, when new Irish bands were still very much in thrall to math-rock, the act then known as Dogs initially attracted attention for thinking outside the box. In particular, their splicing of indie songwriting with techno beats was strikingly different. Fast forward to the present and the Dubliners are still taking musical risks, this time with their self-titled debut album. Sounding more stately and assured – thanks in part to the presence of vocalist/keyboardist Suzanne Purcell, who officially arrived in 2016 – their opus may be economical in length, but it’s definitely not short on ideas. Highlights include the New Order-esque euphoric opener ‘A Tunnel’; the pensive and edgy ‘A Case Of Rules’; and the new romantic-style ‘Travelling Sound’. These dogs will definitely have their day. OUT NOW

Rating: 7/10