Album Notes

Let's face it, Virginia's Gunston Midas are no spring chickens at thirty-something. But while still too young for the "ageless" moniker usually reserved for Robert Pollard's ilk, This Dog Kills Fascists sounds like a band hitting it's prime and staking it's claim.

It has been 10 years since the first 6 song demo tape bearing the name Gunston Midas (Doug Burton-guitar, bass & keyboards/Chris Layton-vocals & drums) made it's way into the cassette decks of southeastern Virginia's more enlightened music fans. Since then, the band has tirelessly written and recorded power-pop gems, a few minute and a half, rock-out rave-ups, and even played the occasional live gig here and there.

Those familiar with Billy Bragg & Wilco's "Mermaid Avenue" project, and/or anyone who has seen the famous photograph of Woody Guthrie's acoustic guitar sporting the slogan. "This Machine Kills Fascists," will immediately recognize the origin of the title of the band's new release. And for everyone else, well, I suppose I have just explained it, haven't I? But why the play on words? What do dogs have to do with anything? That's because Gunston Midas writes songs about dogs (among other things).

In fact, they may very well be the most canine-friendly band in the history of rock, as some variety of pooch has literally been present during every one of the band's recording sessions over the past 10 years. Look no further than "George Is My Friend" from This Dog Kills Fascists, for ruminations by Chris about his best friend.

Elsewhere here, you will find the band flexing it's muscle like never before on rockers like "Lifted," "Face Of The Earth," and "I Empathize." But the name of the game this time around is dynamics, as evidenced by the varied sounds and styles of these 12 compositions, including the countrified "Amnesia," the melancholy and aptly named "Down," and the delicate, acoustic approach brought to "Gobstopper Lawnbowling."

The band hopes the release of This Dog Kills Fascists will result in the celebration of their first 10 years, while also ushering in the momentum to fuel the next 10.