DOG PROBLEMS - THE FORMAT
The sunny exterior of “Dog Problems” pairs perfectly with singer Nate Ruess’ perky, even-keeled voice and a gargantuan tongue that remains firmly in cheek. Rounded out with a horn section, crowd-noise samples and shimmery guitar pedals, the breathless indie pop and broken-hearted lyrics of “Dog Problems” deserve every bit of the attention they are receiving. Glockenspiel and hand claps are worked seamlessly into “Ocean,” as though the song were never meant to be sad. The title track is impeccably arranged for maximum impact of words like “I never finish phrases, I misspell/Open arms are prison cells.” The emotional outcome from listening to “Dog Problems” all depends on how closely one listens, but it is a treasure regardless of the result. Billboard
