Doogle are a grassroots folk indie band led by 16-year-old Joe Robinson, who hails from Huddersfield. Joe released his debut track bugbites as a soloist in October 2022 and has since added two more members to complete the trio lineup. The current members of the band are Joe Robinson on vocals and guitar, Aiden Phillis on drums, and Harrison Hughes-Jones on bass.
This year has already been an incredibly successful year for Doogle. They have had the opportunity to tour and showcase their talent at some of the most iconic small venues in the North, such as the Retro Bar in Manchester, the Jacaranda Bar in Liverpool, and The Parish in Huddersfield. The latest release from Doogle, titled Straw, is a mesmerizing folk-indie track that showcases the band’s exceptional musical talent. The song features beautifully crafted acoustic melodies and poignant, heartfelt lyrics that resonate with the listener. Doogle’s soulful vocals and evocative storytelling create a captivating and introspective listening experience. Straw is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and sonically rich, solidifying their status as a rising star in the indie music scene.
One aspect of the track that I particularly love is the faint trumpets that you hear in the chorus instrumental. I feel like as a folk-indie artist, it is essential to have various elements in your music to elevate the piece and take it to another dimension. The lyrics of the song seem to be a reflective piece that delves into the singer’s emotional state. The lyrics contain lines that express the singer’s doubts and uncertainties. For instance, the lines “Oh yes, I’m trying as hard as I can. Do you recognize that? Will I be a better man, or will it all fall flat? Do you resent me for putting you through this?” convey a sense of insecurity and fear of failure.Â
The vocals in the song are enchanting and spacey, and they blend seamlessly with the lyrics, creating a unique listening experience. Joe’s voice, on the surface, sounds happy and upbeat, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the song has an emotional depth that is quite moving. The vocal depth is intriguing, and the harmonization with himself in the chorus gives the song a haunting feel, adding to the emotional impact of the lyrics. In the final minute or two of the 5-minute-long diary log, it falls into a verse where it’s stripped back, with just the drums and passionately sung vocals. The stripped-down arrangement in this part of the song creates a powerful effect, emphasising the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
Doogle are supporting Florentines in Bolton on the 20th of April at the Doffcocker Inn, entry is free so go support these amazing small artists!
FOLLOW DOOGLE ON INSTAGRAM // TIKTOK
Words by Caitlin Flood
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