Zombie Dogs
Thu 12 May 2011
Squashed Bananas
New York hardcore band Zombie Dogs has been destroying my ears drums lately with their pitbull approach. The band formed just over three years ago after the demise of Carnal Knowledge, with original members Diane Anastasio and Krista Ciminera switching instruments to attempt something completely outside of their comfort zones. But when Diane changed her mind and moved to San Francisco to join Maximum RockNRoll Magazine Krista found some new recruits, who like Diane and Krista in the beginning wanted a new challenge. Kathi Ko from Each Other’s Mothers switched from guitar to drums, Tamara Waite-Santibanez decided to pick up a microphone and bassist Rachel Rubino of Bridge & Tunnel completed the line-up. Together the band has become one the coolest sounding hardcore bands in New York, combining rapid-fire guitar riffs and well politicised vocals. There’s elements of the Dead Kennedys’ post-war, anti-corporate message, updated but still fighting along similar battle lines, and there’s a mild nod towards pop punk in some of the instrumental riffs. Deep down they deliver a feminist message of discrimination and violence, but there’s a drive for arms that connects them to many like-minded, passionate individuals of any sex, race or age – principals hardcore punk was founded on. In 2009 they released their first recordings on cassette before releasing a self-titled 12″ in 2010 on the label Strength In Numbers. The cover art was designed by vocalist Tamara and all copies were silk-screened by the band. You can order a copy from the Strength In Numbers website.
