Biography
Though their buoyant and energetic pop evokes the spirit of Dexy's Midnight Runners, Big Country, XTC, Talking Heads, and other new wave icons, Dogs Die in Hot Cars from Fife, Scotland actually formed their tastes around Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The group, whose peculiar moniker supposedly emerged during a session with helium-filled balloons, first came together while vocalists and guitarists Craig Macintosh and Gary Smith, bassist Lee Worrall, keyboardist and vocalist Ruth Quigley, and drummer Laurence Davey were still attending high school. Early performances took place at school events before the musicians advanced to local pubs, where they began as cover acts and gradually introduced original material. After accumulating savings, acquiring gear, and composing songs, the band relocated to Glasgow to devote themselves fully to music. In summer 2003 they issued their debut single "I Love You Because I Have To" on Radiate; its blend of ska rhythms and new wave pop hooks earned both critical praise and commercial attention, prompting a deal with V2. During subsequent touring, Macintosh suffered an onstage electrocution at Dundee's Cotton Club yet sustained only hand burns and elected to keep the dates. Following an additional fall tour, the musicians worked with producer Clive Langer, previously associated with Dexy's Midnight Runners. Early in 2004 they delivered their major-label debut, the Man Bites Man EP, and several months afterward released the single Godhopping. Their first full-length album, Please Describe Yourself, appeared later that year.
Albums
