Dogs, Komakino, The Casuals

It's obvious on approach that this is going to be one of the coolest gigs of the year so far. Maybe it's the East End location; more likely it's the bands. The Casuals and Komakino are also up tonight. Anyway, the scene is out in force. If there are any editors around, they're with Artrocker, not the NME. Hats are as plentiful as band members, and they look lived in rather than picked up in H&M two hours ago. It's also nice and warm. A perfect night for the steamy Dogs.

We abandon The Casuals after a few strangled songs, partly because it's so damn hot and crowded, but also because they're a bit annoying, in the way a little brother is a bit annoying. Check out their homepage and you might get the feeling. This means we get too comfy in the bar and miss Komakino. A shame, but all is not lost as Dogs are superb. Apologies for the shameless word trickery but they have a rabid energy, sweating their way through the set. Frontman Johnny is obviously a truth-teller, spitting out lines like 'I liked you better when you liked me better' and 'My brain seems tuned to a different station' (check out the brilliant video for the latter - their best song). The delivery is as brutal as the honesty and we love it. Can't wait for next time.

When: 2/06/05
Who: Dogs, Komakino, The Casuals
Where: Rhythm Factory
Review by: Jane Rich