London quintet French Dogs have officially reached their definitive milestone, and I am completely hooked. Their 10-track debut album, ‘Here’s to Pretending’, is an instantly captivating body of work that reveals a beautifully expansive sonic identity from a band we already knew possessed serious grit.
‘Here’s to Pretending’ effortlessly weaves the high-intensity punk rock energy of their roots with a new, soulful song writing depth that shows a band evolving in real-time. Opening track ‘Broken Glass’ serves as the perfect introduction to this musical brainchild. It hits you immediately with a hard-hitting, guitar-driven rock impact, paired with stunning, unedited, and natural-sounding vocals that set an incredibly authentic tone for what’s to come.
As the album unfolds, the band masterfully plays with genre and atmosphere. ‘Flicked from Brick Lane’ is an exciting, funky surf-rock release built on a steady, driving groove that elevates the entire collection. Meanwhile, ‘Car Crash Lovers’ treats us to gorgeous, easy-listening vocal harmonies that are incredibly pleasant on the ears.
Just when you think you have them figured out, French Dogs showcase their immense versatility. The album’s title track acts as the record’s emotional anchor, a soft, slow-paced, and introspective breather where frontman Ben Spencer explores the complexities of long-term connection with the bittersweet toast: “No time for happy endings? / Here’s to pretending.”
The back half of the record keeps us entirely mesmerized. ‘Treasure’ is a sultry, magnetic rock track reminiscent of Kasabian’s ‘Underdog’, packed with delicious guitar licks that easily make it a personal favourite. Then follows ‘Movie Scenes’, a ballad-like rock masterpiece where the vocals shine brightest. Listening to it feels like being slowly taken away on a calm stream out to a hazy, dreamlike sea, blending colourful guitar lines with a combination of softness and confidence.
Having already transitioned from a local secret to an international touring act this year, hot off a successful Record Store Day vinyl release and a string of sweat-soaked European dates from Paris to Amsterdam, French Dogs have proven that their urgent, deeply personal sound travels beautifully. ‘Here’s to Pretending’ is a masterful study of endurance, balancing chaos with heartfelt melody. Consider me officially obsessed.
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