The Dobies - Animal Like Me

The Dobies

Animal Like Me
​self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

The Dobies is the solo project by Anthony Gaglia. Gaglia made his three-song EP Animal Like Me in around two weeks and it is under ten minutes long. The EP goes by in a flash not only because of the short run time but because the songs are poppy, fun and light. I thought the music sounded like off-kilter surf/garage rock.

​The EP starts off with “”Mystery and Fright.” The guitars are jangly yet smooth and are layered with light, atmospheric percussion and bass. It’s a very spacious canvas and lets the vocals really shine. The song isn’t particularly dynamic but it has a good amount of transitions and the melodies from the guitar to the vocals are great.

Up next is “Waiting” which starts with a little pup barking and then gets some energy with a vibe that's almost straight surf. The breathy vocals work very well with the song and the guitar is treated the same way as in the first song. Also like the first song it’s evident that Gaglia can write a catchy melody. A one off “woot” signals the rather long fade out a little after the two- minute-mark.

Gaglia closes with the title track which is perhaps even more catchy than the previous songs. Either way the song is addictive the first time you hear it and I thoroughly enjoyed the way he switches the vocal melodies. There is a distinct difference in his delivery but it works to the song’s advantage.

The only issue I had with the EP is it felt like an appetizer. However, maybe that was just Gaglia’s plan. Leave us hungry so we will be anticipating a follow-up. 

Overall, Animal Like Me is a no brainer and certainly worth checking out. I have a feeling you will be happy with the eight minutes you've invested in checking out his songs.

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