Dogs of Neptune
"Music’s like a drug and we’re bunch of pushers and addicts"
Dogs of Neptune are a hard rockin’ three piece romp into classic rock ‘n’ roll with a tinge of new wave and a drop of country. Based out of Muskogee, Oklahoma, the band has about 40 years of playing experience between them.
Gregory Holsey anchors the band on drums and vocals. Holsey started out as a guitar player but somewhere along the way during his school years, his attention deficit issues began to take hold. Constantly rapping and tapping on desks and any other available surface with pencils or whatever he could find, Holsey eventually got handed a set of drumsticks. The rest is history. Holsey’s influences include the Flaming Lips, Black Flag, Pixies, Love, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. His drumming carries influences from Keith Moon, Burt Ward and Ginger Baker.
On guitar and vocals, you can find the comic relief of the band, Andy Lovell. Lovell cites his influences as Van Halen, Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne. Oh yeah…"and the Dogs of Neptune", he says with a wide grin. The guitar style Lovell brings to the stage is tinged with Eddie Van Halen, Zakke Wylde, Randy Rhodes and Jimi Hendrix. If you ask Lovell what gets his soul stirring he’ll happily tell you "…cigarettes and a cup of coffee."
The eclectic of the group is bassist and vocalist, Willis George. George has fronted several other bands including Screams and Whispers and Band of Deamons. His roots show through when he counts off his influences. "All the great ones", he says. "Cash, Lennon and Elvis. Who else is there?" George lists his bass playing influences as Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Cliff Burton and Paco.
Dogs of Neptune’s sound is their own. They have as much original music as they do cover tunes. There sound is reminiscent of a mix of Creed, Stone Temple Pilots, Aerosmith and Cake to name a few. And you can throw in some Staind and Seether as well. But, then again, it carries its own weight too. Their lyrics are timely and entertaining, providing a laugh and at the same time delivering some social commentary. Lovell does the lion’s share of the band’s songwriting, however, he does give credit where credit is due. "Most of our songs are written by Kyro", says Lovell, nodding to the dog that sits nearby. "He’s pretty creative."
Lovell sums up the band’s feelings about their music. "We just try to play what’s inside us. Music is like a drug and we’re junkies." A unique way to say it. But, then again, this ain’t your mom and dad’s rock ‘n’ roll band. For a high energy trip into today’s version of classic rock, check out Dogs of Neptune.
