Dogstar

Dogstar emerged as an alt-rock outfit from Los Angeles whose profile surged worldwide during the mid-'90s, fueled largely by the presence of actor Keanu Reeves on bass. The musicians maintained a busy touring schedule, delivering their blend of post-grunge and melodic alt-pop to packed venues throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. Their early phase yielded two studio releases—Our Little Visionary in 1996 and Happy Ending in 2000—before the group called it quits in 2002. Two decades afterward the band regrouped and issued a new collection, Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, in 2023.

Reeves, already an established Hollywood name following Point Break and the second Bill & Ted film, crossed paths in 1991 with actor and drummer Robert Mailhouse while shopping at a neighborhood market; their mutual enthusiasm for hockey sparked an immediate connection and soon led them to make music together. Actor Gregg Miller later rounded out the lineup on lead vocals and guitar. After roughly a year of intensive rehearsal, Dogstar began performing around Los Angeles. Although reviewers approached the band’s grungy alt-pop with caution, the members’ fame ensured consistently sold-out shows and ultimately secured a deal with BMG’s Zoo Entertainment imprint.

Ed Stasium, known for his work with the Ramones and Living Colour, produced the debut album Our Little Visionary, which appeared in 1996 and saw the bulk of its distribution in Japan. By then Dogstar had already logged extensive road time, supported headliners including David Bowie and Bon Jovi, and cultivated an international audience. Personnel shifted when Bret Domrose stepped in for Miller on vocals and guitar. International touring continued over the ensuing years, yet the project stayed secondary for the members, particularly Reeves, whose career reached new heights with the Matrix series. The follow-up, Happy Ending, surfaced in 2000 and included a rendition of the Carpenters’ “Superstar.” The band held together only two more years before splitting in 2002.

Throughout the next twenty years the three musicians stayed close and convened informally for jam sessions at Mailhouse’s Silver Lake residence. Momentum increased in 2020 amid the global pandemic, prompting them to compose a full set of fresh material. They recruited producer Dave Trumfio for the revived project and staged their first reunion performance in May 2023. The resulting album, Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, reached listeners that October.