Is there a more rock and roll name than Hair Of The Dog? Its very thought conjures up left over Jack Daniels swigged from the bottle after a heavy night on the tiles. A purely 1970’s concept wrapped up in greasy biker threads and semi-clad women draped off the arm of the lead singer. It’s a time worn thing and pretty much related to a distant past now, one that maybe should stay hidden. But that’s the rub, it just won’t stay hidden and for every major rock star stating that rock is dead, along comes another new upstart to prove there is life in the old dog yet and this weeks Almost Famous debutants are this rather fantastic band from Edinburgh. Totally in thrall to that bygone age when music was about pure rock and roll, Hair Of The Dog follow a retro path, but in a vein similar to the excellent Howlin’ Rain from across the pond, they bring it bang up to date. That doesn’t mean in simple production terms either, what we have instead is a revitalised genre being picked up by a younger breed eager to show their chops after discovering the legacy in their parents album collections. That there may just be a clue as to why there are so many bands out there sounding like they have stepped out of a time machine, but one thing is for sure, they have given the music scene a vital kick up the ass and with a ready made audience already there with the older crowd, have also caused some symbiosis with the younger ones. A mutual appreciation society
