Ever since the departure of guitarist Sean O'Donnell (who wrote 90% of all music on the previous album Matt Aragon) I've been wondering about the future of this talented punk band. Seismic is proof that they're continuing and O'Donnell is back, this time as producer along with Sam Boukas. New on guitars is Daniel Montoya (formerly of Logos) and to my surprise Dogwood still sounds like Dogwood. Elementary are the raw vocals of Josh Kemble while the music is mostly written by the other three members of the band (Daniel, bassist Jason Harper and drummer Russell Castillo). It's raw, melodic punk rock with fast and midtempo tunes but less fast stuff than on previous efforts. It's all slowing down. Yet this album is not always convincing me as easily as Matt Aragon and Building A Better Me did even though a couple of songs are quite appealing. The production was better in the past. Seismic is not causing an earthquake in Dogwood history but at least there's enough stirring to be hopeful as to the future.
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis January 2003Reviewed by Nate BaileyDogwood has been around for years, debuting with Rescue records and are currently signed with Tooth and Nail records. This is their eighth full length to date. If you have followed Dogwood's career like I have, you will know their last few full lengths have been mediocre and somewhat boring. Their live show continues to be great (although they do little touring) but their albums have been a…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Josh McConnellAfter a couple years absence, Dogwood is back with the release of their latest album Seismic. If you are a fan of their previous work, then you'll no doubt dig their latest effort. Seismic is done fairly well both musically and lyrically from start to finish of its 33 minute run. But let's be honest, if you aren't a fan of hardcore music then none of this will apply to you because that's pretty…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Matt ModrichTooth and Nail's hardest working punk band Dogwood is back with their fourth release on the label. Seismic features two new members and a dozen new songs. Dogwood evokes skate punk references such as Pennywise and NOFX. They play new school punk rock written in minor keys with scratchy vocals, lots of octave parts on the guitar and shotgun drums. Seismic has its ups and its downs. The first three…Similar sounding releases
2004Voice in the WireSignals in Transmission
2001Sum 41All Killer No Filler
2005Bear vs. SharkTerrorhawk
2005Divide By ZeroAnswer to No One
2002The Curse / Go! For the Throat / Knives Out / Paint It BlackThe Philadelphia Sound
2005Strike AnywhereTo Live in Discontent
