Out June 6th via Fascination Street Records
Bedford/London’s darkwave disciples Dog Race are back with news that should light a fire under anyone orbiting the alt-guitar-goth-synth universe. Their debut EP, ‘Return The Day,’ is landing June 6th via Fascination Street Records – and trust us, it’s as brooding, bold, and beautifully bleak as you’d hope.
To mark the occasion, they’ve dropped a brand new single, the spectral, strobing Return The Day (Colours). It’s not quite the title track, but close enough – and it absolutely rips. Think sprinting drums, snarling synths, and a bassline that grabs you by the throat. It’s the sonic version of watching joy flicker like a dying lightbulb – cold, cathartic, and strangely euphoric.
According to vocalist Katie Healy, the EP is “a soundscape born from sleepless nights, intrusive thoughts, and the quiet war between the mind and the world around me.” Heavy? Absolutely. But Dog Race have never shied away from the shadows – they invite you in, fog machine and all.
So what’s ‘Return The Day’ all about?
This five-track collection is a descent into the slow burn of burnout. It’s co-dependency, emotional gridlock, and joy slipping through your fingers – all wrapped in eerie, analog synths and operatic vocals that hover like ghosts. From the icy lift of The Leader to the crawling dread of It’s The Squeeze, the EP explores personal collapse with theatrical flair and an unflinching eye.
The band’s already earned props from the tastemakers:
“A fiercely inventive sound… navigating dark themes of anxiety and inner turmoil.” – NME
“Really stunned me… unreal vibe.” – Anthony Fantano (The Needle Drop)
“Hypnotic earworm… bookies have already got their eyes fixed on this band.” – So Young
“Will unite fans across the alternative spectrum.” – The Line of Best Fit
Produced by Ali Chant (known for bringing out the best in all things beautiful and bleak), Return The Day is shaping up to be one of the most unflinching debuts of the year. It’s cinematic, unnerving, and deeply human – like if Fad Gadget joined forces with a cult in a crumbling Victorian theatre.
Full Tracklist:
- Where The Barrel Meets The Badger
- The Leader
- Return The Day (Colours)
- 40 Winks to Wyoming
- It’s The Squeeze
Dog Race are:
- Katie Healy – Vocals
- Jed Healy – Drums
- James Kelly – Guitar
- Dillon Willis – Keys
- Will Macnab – Bass
If you’re in the mood to get lost in the mist, catch them live on tour – they’re hitting up festivals across the UK and Europe this summer. Bring your eyeliner, your existential dread, and your dancing shoes.
Upcoming Shows:
- May 16 – The Alt Escape, Brighton
- May 17 – The Great Escape, Brighton
- May 24 – Dot to Dot, Bristol
- May 25 – Dot to Dot, Nottingham
- May 30 – Immergut Festival, Germany
- May 31 – Maifeld Derby, Germany
- July 12 – Chauffeur Dans La Noirceur, France
- July 18 – DOUR Festival, Belgium
- Nov 8/9 – Sonic City, Belgium
Listen to Return The Day (Colours) now – it’s the sound of unraveling, and it’s glorious.
Watch the folk-horror video for The Leader – if you dare.
Dog Race are building a world, and it’s not one you’ll want to leave.
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