LOS ANGELES, CA- A few months ago, Dogpark caught my attention with “September,” a song that balanced emotional weight with the kind of adventurous songwriting that keeps listeners coming back for more. Their latest single, “Don’t Lie,” feels like a natural continuation of that story, both lyrically and musically, while further showcasing why this young band continues to generate so much excitement.
According to lead singer Eamon Moore, both songs explore the final stages of a failing relationship. While “September” lingered in the uncertainty and dread leading up to an inevitable ending, “Don’t Lie” arrives at the point where denial no longer serves a purpose. The narrator already knows the relationship has changed. What he wants is honesty.
“You don’t have to say it / I know it’s not the same anymore” serves as the emotional centerpiece of the song. Rather than pleading for reconciliation, Moore is asking for something much simpler: the truth. Throughout the track, he paints a picture of two people trapped in a relationship that neither seems willing to fully confront. The result is a song filled with resignation, frustration, and quiet heartbreak, set against a wistful soundtrack.
What makes “Don’t Lie” particularly effective is the contrast between its subject matter and its sound. Built around funky guitar riffs and an easygoing groove, the song never becomes weighed down by its melancholy. Moore’s vocal delivery keeps things moving forward, allowing the emotional tension to simmer beneath the surface instead of overwhelming the listener.
The more I listen to Dogpark, the more impressed I become with the band’s musical instincts. There are little choices scattered throughout their recent material that continually catch my ear. Whether it’s an unexpected rhythmic shift, a subtle chord change, or a melodic turn that arrives just when you think you know where the song is headed, Dogpark consistently find ways to keep things interesting without sacrificing accessibility.
That’s a difficult balance to strike. Plenty of bands can write catchy songs. Plenty of bands can be experimental. Far fewer can do both at the same time.
In many ways, that’s what has made both “September” and “Don’t Lie” such rewarding listens. The songs contain memorable hooks that could easily appeal to a broader audience, yet the band never takes the safest route from point A to point B. There’s a willingness to embrace musical risks that gives their songs personality and replay value.
That adventurous spirit has helped fuel a rapid rise for the New York-based quartet. Since forming in 2023, Dogpark have sold out multiple headline tours, appeared at major festivals including Governors Ball and Lollapalooza, and earned recognition from People Magazine’s Emerging Artists list. Their latest EP, Corporate Pudding, has only added to that momentum.
For me, the most encouraging thing is that Dogpark don’t seem interested in repeating themselves. “Don’t Lie” explores familiar emotional territory from a different perspective than “September,” while introducing new textures and ideas along the way. If these recent releases are any indication, the band is still discovering the full extent of what they’re capable of.
For now, “Don’t Lie” stands as another strong addition to a growing catalog that continues to reward repeat listens. And if Dogpark keep taking creative chances while writing songs this catchy, I’ll be eagerly waiting to hear what comes next.
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