Dog Army's "Innocent Clarissa", from the creatively possessed sonic auteur's (and author's) debut concept album "Questionable Motives" tears itself apart midway through like a sonic self flagellation. It is so jarring that it feels like an uncontrollable act, like a holy roller taken over by God or the Devil interrupting a sermon. Not that any part of "Innocent Clarissa" feels all that innocent. Dog Army's creator, Southern, Maryland based Erik Dionne who literally creates his sepia toned universe completely on his own as singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who creates his flights (or fits) of fancy taking improvisational chances, dares to push over edges. The work here, inspired, atmospheric and painted with a vintage aesthetic that rides artistic and even historical roads transports you to other times. There are sonic illusions to the English "Murder Ballads" motif that likely started in the 1700's and has been resurrected from time to time in Americana dark folk ways, especially in the 40's, 50's and 60's, though Dionne's concept is lyrically less pulp fiction-esque and steeped in different levels of his own dark mythology with compelling results.
Take for example, the otherworldly "Chains Of Nature". Feral and rabid in nature, "You hording wyrm! Adorning yourself to prink and prattle but never please this disease that pricks me so. And I'm begging you, please! Deary, please, have mercy on me, yeah, have mercy on me and free me from the chains these chains these chains of", so much so that it feels like the dark absinthe stained drowned demons of a Poe or Lovecraft. Then on the flip side, take the track, "The Color Of Whiskey", a novel-esque tale or treachery or lustful retribution where Dionne sings both male and female parts adeptly. It is a grand passion play tour-de-force performance. Saying more would spoil the fun.
"Questionable Motives" is not for everyone and in the perfect world this would make for a theater experience using accompanying musicians with the album performed in one setting. A period musical, dark and riveting with gallows humor and even grand guignol moments. Hey, a guy can dream.
-Robb Donker Curtius
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Dog Army consists of one member who writes, performs, and produces all of his songs. Located in Southern Maryland, he plays multiple instruments through his recordings to accompany the narratives he wishes to tell. Unbound to a single genre, Dog Army creates songs that span minimalist folk to multi-layered rock songs. "Questionable Motives" is his debut album, released in April of 2021, and can be found on any streaming service.
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