Meryl Streek releases defiant new single "Dogs" featuring Cal Graham of The Chisel

News

25 Sep

Punk provocateur Meryl Streek has returned with a biting new single, "Dogs", featuring vocals from Cal Graham of UK punk band The Chisel. The track is a fiery preview of Streek’s upcoming album, Songs For The Deceased, set to drop on 25 October via Venn Records. Produced by Dan Doherty (known for his work with Fontaines D.C.), Songs For The Deceased promises to build on the raw political energy of Streek’s debut 796, while delving deeper into personal reflection and societal frustration.

"Dogs" draws inspiration from an unlikely source: Archy, a dog that greets Streek with a warm, daily welcome. In a world where human kindness feels increasingly rare, this canine connection speaks volumes. "The dog greets me with a smile and says hello in his own way every single day," Streek explains. "Something that people can't seem to do anymore." The track embodies Streek’s ongoing disillusionment with modern society, where compassion feels like a relic of the past. Cal Graham’s contribution adds extra grit to the track, with his sharp vocal delivery amplifying the song’s scathing message. The song also features backing vocals from frequent collaborator Molly, further enhancing the track’s haunting, punk edge.

The accompanying video, directed by Pete Holidai, captures the chaotic energy of the track and features a cameo from American singer-songwriter John Murry. Streek’s rescue dog Mille also makes a star turn in the video, marking an unlikely journey from shelter to music video stardom.

Speaking about the song Meryl Streek said:

"I spent my childhood telling my grandad 'Werewolf' that he doesn't like people. Only to grow up being the same as him. Every day my faith in people diminishes more and more. This song was inspired by a dog called Archy who lives at the top of my road. The dogs greets me with a smile and says hello to me in his own way every single day. Something that people can't seem to do anymore. Modern society lacks compassion and integrity and people have lost their manners and care for others. So this is my way of saying even a random dog on the street is better than you. I also drafted Cal from UK punk outfit The Chisel in on this one to give me a few words. And some backing vocals by usual collaborator Molly."

This single is just a taste of what’s to come on Songs For The Deceased, which sees Streek continuing to merge the personal and the political. Recorded in Dublin at Darklands Audio, the album includes collaborations with a variety of artists, from Benefits’ frontman Kingsley Hall to A Place to Bury Strangers' Oliver Ackermann. Lyrically, the album touches on everything from Irish political scandals to deeply personal stories. Tracks like "Bertie" take aim at Ireland's notorious political figure Bertie Ahern, while "Stardust" revisits the tragic Stardust nightclub fire that claimed 48 lives in 1981.

With a string of UK headline dates lined up in November, Meryl Streek is preparing to bring his uncompromising live performance back to the stage, following recent appearances supporting Bob Vylan and Enter Shikari. The tour kicks off on November 7th in Newcastle and culminates with a Dublin homecoming show at Whelan's on November 29th, before heading to Belfast the following night.

Meryl Streek’s Songs For The Deceased will be released on October 25th through Venn Records. Expect a searing collection of tracks that confront betrayal, corruption, and injustice head-on – delivered with the intensity and defiance that only Streek can provide.

Save the date for Songs For The Deceased, and watch the video for “Dogs”: