2026 IS THE YEAR OF DISCO ACCORDING TO ANALOG DOG IN NEW LP ‘IT’S NOT THE $ WE’LL REMEMBER‘
Analog Dog is bringing back the magic of 70’s dance culture in ‘IT’S NOT THE $ WE’LL REMEMBER,’ a groovy genre-bending disco pop album that’ll get you on your feet. Bouncing off the high of their debut LP, ‘Color TV’, that blended sounds like water, the San Francisco band is more colorful than ever with ‘INT$WR.’ It’s true that the band isn’t in it for the money; they instead long for authentic experiences, and from the layered sounds, experimental beats, and psychedelic tones, it’s obvious they’re having fun with it.
The 11-track album immediately kicks off with its title track, “INT$WR,” a whimsical instrumental soundscape with a dreamy undertone that mimics the calming nature of a wind chime. It sets a precedent for all songs to come: beautiful and authentic. The second track, “over it” then swoops in as the first full-length track, pioneering a certain synth heaven that is mystifying. Lead singer Austin Waz explores the exhaustion of things falling through over a juxtaposing upbeat sound, with keyboard work from Jason Blasingame really shining in this track, surrounding the sound in proper 70’s disco fashion that continues throughout the whole record.
“U Can’t Sing!*” is fast, funky, and fun. The melodic twists in the vocals lead the track. The pumping bassline keeps things swift and punchy. Each high note is perfected, flawlessly showcasing the band’s range through layered vocals.
Their fourth track, “get U hi*]” encapsulates the soul of the record – transformative and experimental, while also not missing a single beat. The track is chock-full of moments that keep you on your toes. Each lyric buzzes in your head after the first listen and begs you to come back for more. The delivery of the chorus “I used to use you to get me high…” is absolutely top notch, maintaining a satiating rhythm that is only the tip of the iceberg. Before you know it, a shredding guitar solo takes center stage, drenching listeners in a state of sonic bliss. Analog Dog shows their teeth and annihilates the beat with an absolutely electrifying performance. Going back to the original rhythm, an absolutely sickening bassline guides the rest of the track, returning to the main theme: “Oh it seems we’re running out of time.”
“under it” is a perfectly timed instrumental that breaks up two amazingly rich songs. From each kickdrum to guitar strum, it's a full-bodied jazz masterpiece that really entrances you in saxophone. Now in a pop haze, “Best of Me” is easily a mainstream hit. From the upbeat to the catchy chorus, it’s hard not to fall in love with the stunning vocals of Waz yet again, in collaboration with featured vocalist Sanjay John. It's easy to memorize and incredibly snappy: “I want your love, need your touch, so damn much.” Each moment, from the cutting guitar solo to the yearning talks of love, is incredibly done.
Clocking in around the mid-point of the record, “Disco Crazy” is a culmination of the yearning themes of escapism, with dance at the center. From the self-explanatory “we should’ve been born before the 80s” to the bumping beat that guides your head and hips, it’s a true representation of the band’s dreams. As playful as it is, it explores themes of being lost and craving a place to belong. This is for everyone out there who truly feels out of place; this track is a uniting factor. Screaming synth and the memorable repetition of “I can see it clear” is really sharing their intentions of a disco-filled future, one with optimism and unity.
“apocalypse dreams~~” mimics the title track’s hazy, cinematic feel and delivers a mind-melting psychedelic performance. The band then switches it up for their next track, “Cántame.” Translated as “sing for me” in English, the track draws heavily on Latin influences, in both its language and its overarching themes. The fusion of Spanish and English is an excellent addition to the record, with the striking trumpets and suave vocals really solidifying it as an incredible dance track.
The hypnotic track “ctrl it” uses repetition in a stunningly unique way, creating a sing-along anthem that is equal parts lively as it is deep. Guitar really leads the way on this one, making it a seductive and powerful ballad that transcends the disco box. “Never Gonna Dance Again*” closes the album with an introspective beat, adopting a more wavy, contemplative tone that sets it apart from its predecessors. It ends the album on a note that represents the closure of the disco era, hoping for a return to dance.
It doesn’t matter what genres you’re into; Analog Dog knows that they’ll win you over by the time the record is over. The band produces some serious feel-good tunes that anybody can snap their fingers or hum along to. Overall, each of the 11 songs in the album builds upon the others to capture a snapshot in time – a group yearning for the simplicity of the past but not giving up on the present; instead, they use their yearning as a tool to guide the goodwill of the future. It is a stunningly optimistic record, but not shy of a little sarcasm and seriousness at times. In an era of uncertainty, Analog Dog in ‘IT’S NOT THE $ WE’LL REMEMBER’ explores the idea that unity through dance can make things a little better.
