London-based alternative rock quartet Dogviolet return with their newest release, ‘Dandelion’.
Building a reputation for their evocative blend of 80s goth, 90s grunge and shoegaze elements, the band once again showcase their knack for weaving intricate melodies with raw, emotionally charged lyricism. Set against a restrained yet immersive instrumental landscape, ‘Dandelion’ carries a haunting intensity that lingers long after the final note.
Formed in 2022 by Naz Toorabally and Ella Patenall, Dogviolet’s lineup solidified in 2023 with Lauren Allpress on drums and Brodie McBride on bass, quickly carving out a place in the underground scene. Their sound has drawn comparisons to Warpaint, The Cranberries, and Siouxsie & The Banshees, while their lyrics delve into themes of social injustice, identity, and community, often laced with striking natural imagery.
At its core, ‘Dandelion’ is an anthem of resistance and resilience, challenging capitalist notions of productivity. Taking inspiration from Magda Nawrocka-Weekes’ pamphlet Be a Weed, the track reclaims the metaphor of the dandelion—an overlooked yet essential force in its ecosystem. As Naz Toorabally explains, “Like so-called weeds, people are often valued for their usefulness under capitalism rather than their inherent worth. Dandelion is a reminder that we are more than our productivity—a call to unite and build the world we need.”
Produced by Ella Patenall and recorded by Joy Stacey at Goldsmiths Music Studios, ‘Dandelion’ strikes a balance between gritty, grunge-fueled drive and delicate, atmospheric fragility. Shoegaze-inspired guitars, a tight rhythm section, and soaring vocal harmonies create an undercurrent of momentum, building towards a dreamlike bridge before erupting into a euphoric, defiant finale. As Ella Patenall describes, “This track has a driving, grungy energy, but we wanted to contrast that power with moments of delicacy and atmosphere. The whole production was about capturing that push and pull between grit and intimacy.”
With ‘Dandelion’, Dogviolet display unapologetic, evocative, and undeniably powerful songwriting which earmarks them as one to watch.