Philadelphia’s Attack Dog seem to be posing the question, ”What if instead of skiffle, Lennon/McCartney had grown up influenced by late 80’s punk and metal?” Other than the referential title, Remastered 2009 (an attribute that follows most of The Beatles catalog on streaming services) Attack Dog don’t sound like the legendary Liverpudlians. Theirs is an aggressive, dynamic style of music closer to punk, post-hardcore, and metal than psychedelic pop. But that reference, combined with the inventive approach to songwriting, provides enough of a parallel to make the comparison work.

I definitely hear more Lennon than McCartney in these songs. Which isn't to say there isn't sing-songy melodicism throughout Remastered 2009, it’s just that melodies are consistently in the service of subverting expectations, rather than appeasing them. Setting aside the anthemic indie/emo opener “Second Skin,” (which, while really good, belies the band’s ambitious approach on the rest of the record), Attack Dog consistently push their songs into new and unexpected territories.

“Web” uses sudden dynamic shifts and odd time signatures to build a post-punk thrill-ride that segues seamlessly into a slinky smooth middle section, then finds its way back to its hectic and angular core. “Golden” lays down a vibe over which a soft falsetto shifts into a hair metal yelp. Guitars duel in occasionally harmonizing leads – a technique that features heavily across the record, giving several songs an alien Allman Brothers feel. “Infanticide” rumbles through genres of post-hardcore like a combine plowing through a corn field, picking up the good bits and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The prowess of every member of this band contributes to their adventurous sound. The musicianship seems capable of pulling off whatever they try – so why not try anything?

The album doesn’t mess around too much with production tricks. Why would it? The instruments alone are doing more than enough to capture and keep a listener’s attention. Tones are solid and rich, vocals are clear and audible, the mix is conventional. It’s not an unnecessarily glossy record (this could sound like System of a Down) but it doesn’t limit itself with low fidelity in search of punk cred either. It’s an ideal middle ground for music that speaks for itself.

If descriptions of these adventurous, dynamic, virtuosic performances sound exhausting, that’s fair, but Attack Dog has your back. That opener, “Second Skin,” provides a helpful context of contemporary indie riff-rock to set your palate, and by the time you’ve had your mind blown by said virtuosity, they calm things down with the relatively restrained “Reroute,” a midtempo crowd pleaser that showcases the songwriting chops that provide the foundation for their more typically explosive approach.

Remastered 2009 came out last year (2025), and another Attack Dog album is already on the way. If the next set bears any resemblance to this album, we’re all in luck. This is technical prowess paired with punk ethos, and it’s a privilege to listen to.