Conor Donohue - Stray Dogs (2024)

Stray Dogs is a compelling album released today from New Orleans-based artist Conor Donohue. An eclectic sound enamors, ranging from the folk-friendly love song “Shape of Your Hand” to the suave rock inclinations of opening “Wasteland,” drawing literary inspirations from the likes of Joseph Campbell’s “The Power of Myth” and T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land.”

“Someone recently called this record genreless, and it’s true,” Donohue explains. “We served each song individually for what they needed, and somehow, the whole record still sounds cohesive.” Personal healing, and its ensuing catharsis, also had an impact on the songwriting within. “I started seeing a functional medicine doctor and really focusing on my health/healing my body,” Donohue says.

“Welcome to the wasteland,” the debonair vocals greet on opening track “Wasteland,” infusing bright organs and hazily psychedelic wordless vocals within the enamoring rock mix. A playfully nostalgic suaveness is apparent from the get-go, with the “I’ve been searching,” refrain invigorating in its brighter emotion. The ensuing “Feel That Hit” works within a brisker arsenal, as peppy vocal excitement and panting percussion converge. “Let’s drop out and take a walk by the riverside,” a call for sunshine arises into colorful organs amidst the bluesy guitars; it’s a strong one-two punch in kicking off a consuming release from Donohue.

The album’s title track is another standout, melding electronic rhythmic feelings with laid-back vocals that range from a title-touting decisiveness into ghostly wordless croons. The release appeals in its range from rock-forward invigoration to the more introspection electronic-touched flair of “Stray Dogs,” and shows consistently in its quality songwriting. “Hold On To That Feeling” is a quaint, funk-laden rock success, centered around a title-based refrain the glides impactfully alongside glistening keys and repeating guitars. Stray Dogs presents an immersive listening experience throughout.