Kilkenny, rockers Kerbdog emerged in the early 1990s blending elements of grunge, metal, and alternative rock into a distinctive, hard-hitting sound.
Formed in 1991 by Cormac Battle (vocals, guitar), Darragh Butler (drums), and Colin Fennelly (bass)—later joined by guitarist Billy Dalton—the band quickly built a reputation for their electrifying live performances and riff-driven intensity, drawing inspiration from Soundgarden, Helmet, and Nirvana.
They relocated to London and signed with Mercury Records and the four decamped in the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales to record their debut album with Jack Endino, the producer responsible for Nirvana’s debut Bleach.
“We were fans of that album, but we enlisted him after we’d heard what he’d done on Push, an album by a little-known Seattle band called Gruntruck,” says Battle. “We went to the studio where Queen did Bohemian Rhapsody and worked very hard on the album and put in the hours. Brazilian metal titans Sepultura were recording there at the same time and we could hear their album Chaos AD coming together. I think some of what they were doing seeped into what we were doing. It made the record heavier and chunkier than we intended, but we were happy with the results.”
Their self-titled debut album introduced standout tracks like ‘End of Green’ and ‘Dry Riser’, earning them a devoted following.
However, it was their 1997 sophomore effort, On the Turn, produced by Garth Richardson, that truly defined their sound.
With tracks like ‘JJ’s Song’ and ‘Sally’, the album seamlessly fused heavy guitar riffs with melodic hooks. Despite critical acclaim, label issues stifled its commercial success, leading to the band’s disbandment in 1998.
Though their time in the spotlight was brief, a dedicated fanbase kept their music alive, prompting a 2005 reunion and the release of the live album Congregation in 2014.
The band are back on the road playing Dolans Warehouse this Saturday February 22 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the debut self-titled album.
Support on the night comes from Aoife Destruction & The Nilz and 50 Foot Woman.
The After Show Party on Dolans Upper Deck will keep the night rockin’ with DJ Eric playing a set of alternative / indie classics until late.
