strident protest songs sung by-and for-a tightly knit community Press Kit

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1 strident protest songs sung by-and for-a tightly knit community Press Kit

2 Quote Sheet It s as Boston as the left-field scoreboard in Fenway Park - With the kind of organic punk-rock edge that often eludes the Murphys, State of Grace plays like Boston s answer to Social Distortion From old-school history to modern-day events, the CD contains the kind of political streak rarely heard since the Clash. - Street Dogs combines the drive of Bad Religion with Against Me s balance of catchy, layered songwriting and critical appeal - State of Grace goes back to the hard-bitten, world-wise punk of decades past, with fist-pumping choruses packing an immediacy that doesn t detract from the songs fierce smarts. - throttling and concise - they are revitalizing a CBGB-style of punk rock spirit in an honest and catchy way songs on punchy, Guinness-fueled adrenaline perfect for boozing and bruising a night away. - strident protest songs sung by - and for - a tightly knit community -

3 Press Release STREET DOGS IN A STATE OF GRACE ON NEW ALBUM Boston s Revered Punk Band Will Release New Album On July 8 th Hellcat Records newest signing, the highly revered Street Dogs, will release their new studio album, State of Grace, on July 8 th. Teeming with fist pumping punk-influenced rock, the group s fourth full length speaks from and to the working class with poetic heartfelt tales of family, hardships and cries for unity. The Street Dogs ability to craft unique, thought provoking music has helped the band amass a dedicated following over the years. Having served in the Gulf War and as a Boston firefighter, singer Mike McColgan draws on a wealth of life experiences and observations to inspire his impassioned vocal performances, adding a touch of sincere urgency to the non-stop fist-a-cuffs of teeth-gnashing rock that the band is known for. Produced by Ted Hutt (Bouncing Souls, Flogging Molly), the group s latest release surpasses their earlier recordings, both lyrically and musically, with new energy and awareness. McColgan kicks off State of Grace with the consequential story of Mean Fist, which sets an intense tone for the album when combined with the vigorous punk riffs and beats of Paul Rucker (drums), Johnny Rioux (bass), Marcus Hollar (guitar) and Tobe Bean III (guitar). Rolling almost seamlessly from song to song, the Street Dogs maintain a high level of energy throughout the record with tracks like the politically charged Skids cover Into The Valley, and the fist-pumping call for change Rebel Song. The Street Dogs give a nod to family throughout the album with songs like Kevin J. O Toole, an ode to McColgan s uncle and fellow Boston firefighter who recently passed away, and the Irish folk-inspired track Elizabeth, about McColgan s grandmother who was the matriarch of the family. Their reverence for family, friends, and those who fight on our behalf can be felt throughout the album, especially on the band s homage to Joe Strummer, The General s Boombox, who they cite as their main influence. This is a more organic record, says Rioux. It's more raw than our previous records. The end result is a more powerful and honest record. It's less political and more everyday life delivered in a more powerful way. No strangers to crowd participation at their shows, State of Grace boasts a plethora of tracks that are made for the pub and pit, like the bouncing rhythms of Two Angry Kids that will have the crowd churning in no time. The album closes with Free, one of the most personal songs McColgan has ever written. Opening with the somber cries of a harmonica and acoustic guitar, the Street Dogs show the raw emotion of coming to terms with the struggles of life and looking for hope in a sometimes bleak world. State of Grace Tracklisting: Mean Fist Kevin J. O Toole Into The Valley Rebel Song The General s Boombox Elizabeth Two Angry Kids Guns San Patricios A State Of Grace Free For More Information: Press Contact: Austin Griswold Epitaph Records (213) Austin@Epitaph.com

4 Upcoming Tour Dates STREET DOGS STATE OF GRACE TOUR 2008 Sept 11: Houston, TX - Warehouse Live Sept 12: Dallas, TX - Pontiac Garage at House of Blues Sept 13: Austin, TX - Red 7 Sept 14: New Orleans, LA - The Parish at House of Blues Sept 16: Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits Sept 17: Fort Lauderdale, FL - Culture Room Sept 18: Orlando, FL - The Social Sept 19: Atlanta, GA - Masquerade Sept 20: Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle Sept 21: Charlotte, NC - Casbah at Tremont Music Hall Sept 23: Baltimore, MD - Ottobar Oct 1: Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop Oct 2: Detroit, MI - Magic Stick Oct 7: St Louis, MO - The Bluebird Oct 8: Omaha, NE - Sokol Underground Oct 10: Salt Lake City, UT - Club Sound Oct 19: Tempe, AZ - The Clubhouse Support on all of these dates is Time Again and Flatfoot 56

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