Back in March we introduced Play The Hits, the brand new EP from indie rock band Why Dogs Why, a release which builds upon the bright energy and quirky lyrics of the Los Angeles-based outfit’s previous releases. Lead single ‘Clunkers’ provided a glimpse of what to expect from the EP, “a song which embraces both scrappy indie rock sensibilities and the smooth surf pop of yesteryear to explore themes of idealism and disappointment,” as we described, “the sound filled with brightness and forward motion but again troubled by the possibility of a less than perfect reality.”
With the release of the EP fast approaching, Why Dogs Why are back with the title track as the latest single. What they call “a song about feeling pressure from those around you to behave a certain way—essentially about masking in everyday life,” this might be the band’s most personal track to date. One built upon almost hesitant beginnings, the sound simmering as Alex Johnson paints a picture of self-imposed isolation in the face of various fears, before deepening both in energy and detail to offer a sustained, immersive experience. What results is a song uniquely equipped to deal with the emotional weather of such an existence, ebbing and flowing between rising intensity and hushed, lonely quiet. “Dance monkey, dance away / When you feel afraid of making a big mistake,” Johnson sings in the refrain. “Dance monkey, dance away / When you feel ashamed and your head needs a break.”
I want to die, blue in the lips
My heart aside, I’ll play the hits