Barking Dogs: The Unstoppable Force of UK Garage Rock

Barking Dogs are a British garage rock band known for their raw, high-energy sound and explosive live performances. Formed in Manchester in 2010, the group achieved a significant commercial milestone with their 2018 debut album, which charted within the UK Top 40 and spawned a certified Gold single.

Early career

The band's core members, vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance and drummer Siobhan "Shiv" Clarke, began writing songs together in late 2009. After solidifying their lineup with bassist Arlo Finch in 2010, they quickly became a staple of the Manchester underground scene, self-releasing their gritty, self-titled EP in 2011.

Their relentless DIY touring and growing reputation for chaotic shows caught the attention of independent label Feral Sound Records. The label signed the trio and released their second EP, Streetlights & Sirens, in 2014, which received critical praise from several UK music publications.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their debut full-length album, Howl at the Static. Lead single Neon Leash became an unexpected hit on alternative radio, driving the album to number 32 on the UK Albums Chart.

Neon Leash was later certified Gold in the United Kingdom for sales exceeding 400,000 units. This success was amplified by a prominent placement of the track in a major video game soundtrack, introducing their music to a global audience.

Key tracks

Neon Leash — This Gold-certified single broke the band on national radio and remains their signature anthem.

Static Bloom — The opening track from their debut album perfectly encapsulates their ferocious, riff-driven garage rock sound.

Bite Down Hard — A fan-favorite B-side that became a live set staple due to its frenetic pace and call-and-response chorus.

Gutterfire — Featured on their second album, this track showcased a more nuanced, blues-influenced side of their songwriting.

Following their breakthrough, Barking Dogs toured extensively throughout Europe and released their sophomore album, Gutterfire, in 2021. While it did not match the chart peak of their debut, it was hailed by critics for its expanded sonic palette and lyrical depth. They have since collaborated on a one-off single with fellow UK rockers The Kites, further cementing their place in the modern British rock landscape.

Fans of Barking Dogs' raucous energy and gritty guitar work often also enjoy The Libertines for their shared punk-infused rock and roll spirit. The driving rhythms and raw production also draw comparisons to Royal Blood and their powerful bass-heavy sound. For the melodic garage rock influence, listeners should explore The Fratellis and their catchy, anthemic songwriting.

Barking Dogs' music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven acts. Their hits are frequently featured on classic rock FM stations exploring newer artists, as well as various online rock radio streams seeking energetic playlists.

The music of Barking Dogs continues to be broadcast on radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Listeners can easily discover or tune into this influential UK garage rock band through the diverse range of stations available on our platform.