Derivative Grunge-Blues on ‘Quattro Formaggi’
They won’t advertise in Teen Beat and they insist that their bassist, Keanu Reeves, is merely that guy back there playing bass. If true legitimacy is this Los Angeles-based band’s goal, though, it still needs to rethink its tactics. Dogstar has released an enhanced-CD as a prelude to its upcoming full-length debut album, and it revolves around you-know-who’s film appeal.
Because of Reeves’ presence, Dogstar was able to play a sold-out club tour and open for Bon Jovi at the Forum without having a single album to sell. “Quattro Formaggi” weaves cartoon graphics around behind-the-scenes video footage of the band’s 1995 tour. The camera is not fixed on Reeves.
It democratically moves from the actor to roadies, band members Bret Domrose and Rob Mailhouse--even the bus driver. But the music videos tucked into the interactive effects highlight this band’s derivative grunge-blues sound. In the end, “Quattro Formaggi” only makes you wonder what, besides Reeves, could justify such a costly maneuver.
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