Beehive Review

People pay good money to go and see tribute bands like Bjorn Again; this suggests that growing a beard or wearing a white kimono and simply imitating a successful no longer performing artist qualifies you as a member of the entertainment industry. Doghouse are not Bjorn Again, nor are they a tribute band. Sure, they perform covers of classic rock tracks that include a diverse range of artists. As such, they do not do "tributes". Instead, they perform a mixture of successful covers, not as homage to the original artist but because they are damned good tunes. These covers, when interspersed with their own material, provide for a good night's entertainment. Best of all, it is free entertainment.

I have seen Doghouse a few times and that is the point. Many bands will be booked by your local and you will never see them again; it is likely Doghouse will be at your local two or three times a year and on each return visit they are greeted by more and more people. This was the case with the "Beehive" in Chester on Saturday 5th July; the second time I have seen them play there this year.

Doghouse were on "stage", (otherwise known as the corner of the pub) at around half nine and save a twenty minute interval break, they performed their last song at 11.20. By that time, the large crowd had already requested what the finale should be. If you have seen Doghouse before it is likely their show ended with "Ace of Spades". This is their trademark ending and is a good track to finish with as it is fast, aggressive and one the whole crowd can join in with, which they always do.

If you have found this review, you have already found the Doghouse website which explains who does what in the band. However, it is unfair to suggest Rob just sings and plays the guitar or Robin just plays bass. It is not about individuals, it is about the collective and Doghouse were most definitely a 'band' at the Beehive.

Amongst covers played were tracks by Free, Thin Lizzy, Pink Floyd, ZZ Top, UFO, Motorhead, Jimmy Hendrix and Rory Gallagher; definitely not a playlist of a one-group tribute band. It is difficult for a band to cover so many different artists and not be criticised but Doghouse seem to have overcome this. The guitar arrangements and distinctive sounds cleverly convey the tones of the original recordings, whichever track they are playing, and their cover of Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall' most typically demonstrates this.

What a brave decision to cover such a track (this is the long version - not the single) and how well it was appreciated by the crowd. As the slow rhythmic guitar intro began, the crowd started to move in synchronization before joining in with the vocals; even a few fingers twitched in "air guitar" mode during the guitar solo.

Despite their ability to produce such well-received covers, it would be unfair to think of Doghouse as just another cover band. The first part of their set at the Beehive included their own material every other song and in the second half of the set it was one of their's after every two of someone else's. This routine kept the crowd interested throughout, but it was apparent a large section of the crowd had seen the band before and even their own material is now becoming well known around the circuit. It shows a certain level of success has been attained when the transition from cover to own material to cover etc goes as well as it did at the Beehive.

This review would be far too boring to read if every single track played got a mention, however, of their own material, 'White Lines' and 'Mr Clean' deserve a special mention. It is good to note new material such as these tracks are still being written in addition to the band performing new covers. In simple terms, Doghouse are a band that like to play music as it should be played and if you like your music the same way, go and see Al, Andy Rob and Robin the next time they are in your local. Better still, see them at one of the many bike rallies they do. Better still, BOOK THEM for your local - see the rest of the site for details. Alternatively, you could go and see Bjorn Again. You decide!