by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
It’s been a busy year for Portland, Maine’s Chris Gervais, one filled with both endings and new beginnings. Following the demise of his bands Nice Life and Toothbrush (who put out two releases earlier this year), he struggled with a mental breakdown, but emerged with two new projects, the terrifically noise-riddled lo-fi of Divorce Cop and now, the dreary and depressive lo-fi of Dog Park. Recorded using vintage cassette records and reel-to-reels, the tape sound in unmistakeable on their debut EP, Pottery, due out November 1st via Are You Kidding Me? Tapes. Recorded as a trio, it’s a flood of somber moods and melodies, blurred together in the din of home recording.
The trio, comprised of Gervais (vocals/drums), Quinn Farwell (guitar), and Jason Engler (bass), have created a miniaturized world with expressions that appear out of fuzz in short sub-minute bursts of mustered up clamor. “Oven (Part 3)” and “Faceglove” make the center of the band’s debut, an introduction that plays with dismal feelings under a blanket of haze. The production quality is low and it’s meant to be that way, recorded on any non-computerized device near-by, a reflection of the broken spirit each song offers, a quick and careening pair of songs that holds it head firmly downward, but pushed forward regardless.