By Amelie Peters, Music Sub-Editor
A profusion of wires, guitars, and pedals cascade across the eclectic Thekla stage, and what follows is a dazzling tapestry of sound. The venue pulsates with hypnotic beats and nihilistic yet captivating lyrics as Fat Dog makes their triumphant return to Bristol, showcasing an eccentric genius that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
‘It’s F*cking Fat Dog, Baby’ – the invigorating opening line sets the tone. And we’re off, with a torrent of energy that requires no gradual buildup or delay. It was as if the atmosphere was already charged and ready to explode.
In the dimly lit, filth-stained depths of Thekla’s bottom deck, Joe Love stands out against a sea of perspiring fans. Clad in a discordantly styled white ensemble that would make even the characters of Xanadu envious, he demands attention. The only thought that crosses my mind is the sheer determination it must take to keep that outfit spotless.
Barking out lyrics with fervor, the crowd transforms into a rabid cult, with Joe Love embraced as their charismatic messiah. Fat Dog’s following, which has swelled exponentially over the past five years, is a perfect fusion of frenzied enthusiasm and peculiar charm.
In classic mosh pit fashion, I managed to injure myself by the third song, inadvertently biting through a part of my cheek as I got caught up in the wild energy. Pressing my hand to my mouth, blood staining my fingers, a passing, good-natured mosher offers me a plaster. The atmosphere is raucously fun, definitely kind—but perhaps not the brightest in moments of chaos.
Notably tardy to this winter’s fashion trends is Chris Hughes, whose choice of attire begs the question: Does he not know turtle necks are so last season? Clad in a vibrant orange turtle neck, he appears to have orchestrated a raid of Velma’s closet from Scooby-Doo.
Beyond the glaring faux pas of the tangerine turtle neck, he sports a refreshingly absurd ensemble that seems to blend military precision with a postman’s casual flair, all while hinting at a hidden passion for stamp collecting.
King of the Slugs, the band’s slimy anthem and one of their earliest hits, draws a spontaneous chorus from the mosh pit. Lasting seven minutes and five seconds—an impressive feat in its own right—the song proves its popularity as the crowd doesn’t relent for its entire duration, a testament to its undeniable stature among the fans.
A deranged crab dance emerges as Hughes’ signature dance move, as he swings down into the crowd, squatting low while raising his hands like an oversized crab. No one is safe from the collective exuberance, and the absurdity of the movement paints an unforgettable and silly image.
It’s abundantly clear that the band embraces a light-hearted ethos; they prioritize joy and silliness over pretense, a refreshing change that stands in sharp contrast to many bands that have taken themselves far too seriously.
Joe Love prances through the sea of fans, repeating the lyrics ‘I am the king’ a staggering 33 times! The crowd reciprocates with fervor, chanting back in unison. This cultish and hypnotic energy makes me contemplate whether they could unintentionally evolve into a real-life cult, with their music becoming a front to draw in the masses.
Chris Hughes provides a lesson in two things: first, that press-ups are indeed suitable for occasions beyond a mundane workout routine, and second, that one can brave the notoriously sticky floors of Thekla and emerge relatively unscathed. Braving into the chaos, he boldly chooses one of the few songs where he has no musical role to stir up the audience with a display of push-ups.
Pictured above is saxophonist Morgan Wallace, a steadying force throughout the performance who plays a pivotal role in the chaotic, unhinged dances. Taking a brief hiatus from her solo project, Morgan Noise—an experimental electronic pop-jazz creation—Wallace captivates the audience with her skillful saxophone playing, remaining unfazed by the surrounding pandemonium.
The only slight grievance I encountered was the length of the gig. Even though they played their full set, the experience felt fleeting—so much so that I could swear the gig lasted a mere five minutes. Indeed, the saying rings true: time flies when you’re immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of a Fat Dog show.
Fat Dog is set to return to Bristol on February 19th, taking the stage at the formidable SWX. Hints from the band suggest more exhilarating new music could be on the horizon!
Will you be at the next Fat Dog gig in Bristol?
What inspired the unique stage presence and quirky outfits of Joe Love from Fat Dog?
**Interview with Joe Love of Fat Dog**
*By Amelie Peters, Music Sub-Editor*
**Amelie Peters:** Joe, thanks for taking the time to chat with me after such an electrifying performance! It’s clear that Fat Dog has a unique and dedicated following. What do you think makes your music resonate so deeply with fans?
**Joe Love:** Thanks for having me! I think it’s a combination of everything—the energy, the lyrics, and the sheer fun of it all. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and that creates a space where people can just let go and be themselves.
**Amelie Peters:** Absolutely! Speaking of letting go, I couldn’t help but notice the audience was completely engrossed in the vibes. How does it feel to see that kind of fervent energy from the crowd?
**Joe Love:** It feels euphoric! Every time we hit the stage, the crowd’s enthusiasm fuels us. There’s a symbiotic relationship where we feed off each other’s energy—when they scream, we play harder, and it just escalates from there. It’s like an unspoken pact of joy and chaos.
**Amelie Peters:** I loved the spontaneous dance moves that cropped up during the show, especially your crab dance! What inspired that?
**Joe Love:** (laughs) Ah, the crab dance! I like to think it’s a bit of a nod to the absurdity of life. We embrace silliness, and sometimes you just need to be goofy. It’s all part of the experience. Who says you can’t have a little fun, right?
**Amelie Peters:** Very true! The eclectic nature of your stage presence is striking. How do you decide on your outfits?
**Joe Love:** Honestly, it’s whatever feels right in the moment—anything that stands out and feels comfortable. I want to reflect our quirky personality because it breaks the ice and sets the tone for the show. If I can keep it spotless while getting wild, even better!
**Amelie Peters:** That’s commendable! Now that Fat Dog has grown significantly over the past five years, how do you handle the pressures that come with success?
**Joe Love:** It’s definitely a balancing act. We try to focus on our core values—joy and authenticity—rather than getting swept up in expectations. A big part of our journey is staying true to what we love, and that’s what keeps it fun for us and our fans.
**Amelie Peters:** Wise words, Joe. Before we wrap up, any teasers on what’s next for Fat Dog?
**Joe Love:** We’ve got some exciting projects in the pipeline! New music, unexpected collaborations, and of course, more wild shows. We’re just getting started!
**Amelie Peters:** Can’t wait to hear what’s coming next! Thanks again for this chat, Joe. Enjoy the rest of your night!
**Joe Love:** Thank you! You too!