Office Dog will release their debut album, Spiel, on January 26, 2024 via New West Records. Hailing from Auckland by way of Dunedin, Aotearoa/New Zealand, the trio is led by the critically acclaimed songwriter Kane Strang. The 12-song set was recorded over the course of two days, tracking into the early hours of the morning, and was produced by De Stevens (Marlin’s Dreaming). Office Dog fearlessly explore the depths of complex emotions through layers of tension and release while Spiel serves an introspective view on profound experiences, turmoil, and hopeful prospect.
The band recently premiered the album highlight, “In the Red” (below). Kane Strang said, “”Writing Spiel is such a blur now, but ‘In the Red’ is a song that I have a vivid memory of writing while staying at my parent’s place – one of those late night things that comes very quickly and where the lyrics just kind of fall out of you. Now I think it’s the most raw and vulnerable track on the album, and one that feels like a real release every time we play it.”
Flying Nun Records released Spiel in Aotearoa/New Zealand & Australia and New West Records will release the album for the rest of the world early next year. Office Dog’s string of pre-release singles garnered instant success across Aotearoa/New Zealand’s beloved Student Radio Network, and the band was named “Favorite Group” at the Student Radio Network Awards earlier this month. “Big Air” also dominated the #1 spot for multiple weeks on the Radioscope Alternative Charts. Songs saw various Top 10’s, including 95bFM (Auckland) and Radio One 91F (Dunedin), as well as spins on the BBC Radio 6 program Parallel Universe Tonight, hosted by Marc Riley of The Fall.
Office Dog’s Spiel will be available across digital platforms, compact disc, and standard black vinyl. A very limited to 100 Lime Green Color Vinyl Edition will be available via Rough Trade Records, while an extremely limited to 50 Amber Color Vinyl Edition will be available via Seasick Records. A limited to 1,000 Clear Violet Vinyl Edition will be available at Independent Record Stores worldwide and is available for pre-order NOW via NEW WEST RECORDS.
