Having kept rock fans entertained over lockdown (as well as themselves!) with a plethora of well known cover versions, a local duo are about to see some of their original songs released globally on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon next month.

The Sun Dogs based in Kilgetty, who comprise of singer guitarist Reuben Wilsdon Amos and drummer/percussionist John Honour, are well known on the local live circuit, but had to find new ways of jamming together ‘virtually’ during the initial lockdown, and put out a series of homemade videos of them performing some classics from their setlists as voted for by the public on social media.

Some crowd pleasing classics were covered, with everything from Van Halen’s Jump to Bowie’s Space Oddity popping up, while the band’s video for their version of Toto’s Africa was also included in a national segment by BBC Wales as part of a ‘best of Wales under lockdown’ video compilation they put together.

Now the band are back with some of their original material forming a new four-track EP titled ‘Belong’ which will be released on all global digital platforms including - iTunes, Amazon, Spotify in December.

“Reuben wrote one track ‘Breaking the Silence’ whilst I wrote the other three - Human; Sign Says; and No Way Out,” explained John.

“Thematically and lyrically it’s predictably concerned with life during the pandemic but ultimately has a positive message that there is hope and a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

“Musically it channels a rockier route than our last release, more of a Vertical Horizon/Matchbox20/Tonic/Live type vibe.

“We’ve written enough material for another two EPs, one of which will be released early next year then another around Easter. It seems to be the trend for bands to release material more often these days, regular singles/EPs rather than a long player every 3/4 years,” he continued.

With regards to getting back out there on the live circuit, John says that it is something that they are looking forward to when regulations allow it, and that they empathize with those in the industry that are suffering.

“In terms of playing live it’s been a strange year for sure, as we haven’t played in the same room since February!” said John.

“All our videos are done in our respective studios and that’s been a riot! People don’t realise that the take you see in the video is live. I can’t mime to my own takes, I can never remember what I played! So that’s been a great way of us keeping the band alive and playing songs that we’ve played before.

“Reuben and I obviously miss playing together, we have an almost telepathic musical relationship and that’s something we really can’t wait to rekindle.

“I don’t see pubs and clubs having live music back for some time due to financial reasons and sheer lack of space for bands whilst maintaining social distancing guidelines.

“Music and the arts have been left out completely compared to sports despite the physical/psychological benefits. I think that’s something that needs to be addressed urgently, as many self employed musicians/actors/artists have had an incredibly difficult year,” he added.

You can view The Sun Dogs’ vids at www.facebook.com/thesundogsofficial where the duo’s original songs are also available, and details of their up and coming EP release.

Fans can also follow the band on Twitter: @TheSunDogs1 and on Instagram at: the_sun_dogs