Despite the subtitle, this is not about dogs but a musical tribute to and retrospective of a popular Boston band known as the Dogmatics. In 1981, twin brothers Paul and Peter O’Halloran got together some school buddies (some of whom met in kindergarten) to form a rock group that found success in the Boston music scene before branching out and touring in 1985 after releasing their debut album. The guys set up shop in a loft on Thayer Street (the name of one of their hit songs) and vintage footage inside the loft complete with ratty furniture, beer cans, and motorcycles is priceless.
Amazingly, except for one member who was tragically killed in an accident in 1986, the original members are still playing together for benefits and other shows. Current interviews recall those heady days performing in gigs as far-reaching as graduation pool parties, street fairs, and larger venues. Contemporary interviews are often seen on a split screen. For example, viewers witness teenage drummer Tommy Long set against modern footage where Long recalls his experiences in the band.
The group’s roadie Tim Downie says the band appealed to both rockabilly fans and hard-core metal heads. Journalist Paul “Blowfish” Lovell adds insight into the history of the group, telling how the Dogmatics were once known as the premier band in the city. Entertaining archival footage shows Lovell going to the Thayer Street loft where, as the host of a local television show, he showcased the Dogmatics at home.
Boston fans of a certain age who recall such original songs as Teenage Girls, Gimme the Shakes, MTV-O.D., Christmas Time, Drop that Needle, among others, will love seeing and hearing performance snippets from decades ago. That the group, widely considered the “blueprint of Boston garage punk,” is still playing together as more than just a revival ensemble is amazing. The main audience for this is most likely New Englanders who remember the Dogmatics from back in the day, but other music fans who recognize the longevity of this “quick-witted hometown band” will appreciate the group’s endurance and ability to adapt to varying music styles. Recommended for Boston-centric music documentary shelves in public libraries.