The Polka Dogs – The Polka Dogs
Folk, World & Country | Canada | Not On Label
Let’s cut to the chase: The Polka Dogs by The Polka Dogs is one of those albums that sneaks up on you like a stray dog with big wet eyes—hard to ignore, kinda lovable, and full of quirks. This Canadian gem doesn’t try too hard to be anything it ain’t. It’s raw, real, and stitched together with folk vibes so warm they could probably melt permafrost. With John Millard at the helm wearing multiple hats (songwriter, banjo player, vocalist), this record feels homespun but never sloppy. And let’s not forget Tiina Kiik’s accordion wizardry or Tom Walsh’s trombone blasts—they’re the secret sauce here.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks in particular because they stuck to me like syrup on pancakes. First up, "Slag Heap Love." Oh man, this tune hits different. Millard’s voice has this raspy charm, like he’s telling you a story over a campfire while someone else plays cards nearby. The lyrics? Darkly poetic, painting pictures of love blooming in places most folks wouldn’t dare look twice. You know what I mean? It’s messy, gritty, but somehow hopeful. By the time the tuba kicks in, courtesy of Colin Couch, you can’t help but grin—it’s just so damn unexpected yet perfect.
Then there’s "Life In The Colonies," which sounds exactly how an old-timey rebellion might feel if it had a soundtrack. Banjo plucks dance around trombone growls, and Ambrose Pottie’s drums keep things marching forward like a ragtag army heading toward… well, who knows where? But you wanna follow ‘em anyway. There's something oddly cinematic about this track, as if every note tells part of a bigger tale we’re only getting glimpses of. Honestly, it makes me want to grab a banjo and start my own weird little revolution.
What really ties all these songs together is the band’s DIY spirit. No fancy label backing them; no polished production tricks trying to hide their rough edges. Instead, you get honest music made by people who clearly adore what they do. That authenticity shines brighter than any studio polish ever could.
So yeah, The Polka Dogs isn’t gonna win awards for being trendy or sleek. But honestly, who cares? This album reminds us that music doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel—it just needs heart. And maybe, just maybe, a good accordion solo.
Fun fact: Listening to this album made me realize I now have an unexplainable craving for pierogis. Coincidence? Probably not.
