The born and raised Aberdonian Clinton “Dogger” Mullins has written, recorded and mastered an air-drum quality album that kept my foot working an imaginary kick drum throughout the 10-track album “Atta Bomb.”
Translation: It’s not boring. It’s good.
There is variety and there Is a good balance of post-grunge music, a little bit of alternative metal and a country song. Paul Fix added some tasty bass lines and Victor Payne, on drums, kept the tempo in check. Sean Curkendall played piano. The album is also produced well, thanks to the talents of Jonathan Plum, the album’s producer. The album was produced at London Bridge Studios in Seattle.
“Jonathan Plum produced and put plenty of his own time into the album as well, which was above and beyond what I expected,” Dogger said a little more than a week after completing the mastering process for the album.
Here are some of the highlights of “Atta Bomb,” which Dogger called his “best work:”
The album’s opener “You’re Enough,” sounds a little bit like Aaron Lewis’ old band Staind. In that song Dogger sings about loving yourself, believing in yourself and knowing you’re enough.
Dogger shared his thoughts on the album’s lyrics.
“These words are real and some of the songs are about self love and positivity,” Dogger said. “And I want people to know what I’m saying in hopes maybe it will help someone.”
Along with a few other tracks that seem to have come from that era, there are a few heavier songs, — “Alien Abduction” — and a couple softer offerings, such as “Breath of Change,” the album’s second track.
One of the album’s highlights is “Broken to Loved.” The song packs a prominent bass, some nifty piano work and an instant hook that kept me entertained until the instruments rang out.
That led to a song Harborites should enjoy.
The closing track “River Bank” is a special one. It shows off Dogger’s ability to write an engaging, clean guitar riff. His lyrics are about living on the river bank.
“Small town, big dreams, campfires, fish trap, watching eagles soar,” Dogger sings during the closer.
Given his Harbor roots, that river bank must be in reference to the muddy banks of the Wishkah River, just like another musician from the Harbor — Kurt Cobain.
Add in the banjo and slide guitar work from Plum and “River Bank” is definitely a track that would slide right into a country station’s playlist.
The song is total beer drinking music. It evokes a feeling of sitting and relaxing on a camping chair on a hot, sunny day. Just think — with the food on the fire, the tent built nearby and the fresh line cast, what’s next? Crank up the volume on the boom box and open your favorite cold drink.
That leaves the title track “Atta Bomb,” which is the fourth song on the album. It’s got a fun riff that sounds anthemic and it shows off Dogger’s ability to give a healthy scream.
And for people wary of hearing swear words on the album, there are just three songs with instances of profanity. Dogger will also release a censored version of the album.
Overall, the album is one I’ll keep in my car’s CD changer rotation.
In addition to the CD format, the album will be available on all streaming services on Saturday. The pre-release version of the album — on CD — will be available for sale at Dogger’s live shows. Once the CD release date arrives — Sept. 2 — people who bought the pre-release version will be able to exchange it for the completed version. Just show the previously purchased CD of “Atta Bomb.”
Dogger also shared he’ll have an album release party on Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. at the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport — 500 N. Custer St., in South Aberdeen. It will be an all-ages event, too. So keep that on your calendar.
A few of the live music shows this weekend:
Saturday, July 22
Noon to 6 p.m. — Johnny the Capo & The Bad Boys, Colin Gage, Richard Jones, and Jacob Wikan — Flea Market & Bazaar — 832 Ocean Shores Blvd. NW, in Ocean Shores
2 to 5 p.m. — Ms. Maki & Co. — Oyhut Bay Plaza — 404 Salmonberry Lane SW, in Ocean Shores
4 to 7 p.m. — Jacob Wikan — Ocean Pours Taproom — 759 Ocean Shores Blvd NW, in Ocean Shores
7 to 9 p.m. — SR 109 — Mount Olympus Brewing — 105 W. Heron St., in Aberdeen
7 to 9 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) — Never Monday, The Jazzeman — The Loading Dock — 202 E. Wishkah St., in Aberdeen
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Aberdeen Rain Glow Festival — Near the corner of South K and West Wishkah Street
Contact Reporter Matthew N. Wells at matthew.wells@thedailyworld.com.
Provided photo Clinton “Dogger” Mullins stands in front of a wall full of records at London Bridge Studio in Seattle. Dogger will a release a new album “Atta Bomb” on Saturday. Dogger, with the help of Producer Jonathan Plum, recorded and mastered the album there.
Provided photo Sean Curkendall records piano for “Atta Bomb,” a new album Clinton “Dogger” Mullins is releasing to streaming services on Saturday. The 10-track album will have its official release on Sept. 2, at 5 p.m. at the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport — 500 N. Custer St., in South Aberdeen.
