Kerbdog

Kerbdog are an alternative metal and alternative rock group from County Kilkenny, Ireland, active from 1991 to 1998. The line-up includes Cormac Battle, Darragh Butler and Colin Fennelly, with Billy Dalton joining on guitar in 1992 before leaving in 1995. The band is also associated with grunge, post-grunge and post-hardcore.

Formation and early years

The group forms in 1991 in Kilkenny, with Cormac Battle on vocals and guitar, Colin Fennelly on bass guitar and Darragh Butler on drums. Their early live sets mainly consist of covers by Sonic Youth, Loop, Spaceman 3 and Fudge Tunnel. The members are still students at the time, though they later leave college as the band begins to gather interest. Billy Dalton joins in March 1992, bringing additional guitar work and helping shape the band’s heavier sound.

Style and influences

Kerbdog’s music combines heavy guitar noise with melody, drawing on underground rock and metal influences. The group’s early sound reflects Cormac Battle’s interest in the British and New York underground scenes, while Billy Dalton brings a liking for Metallica and Slayer. Their songs are described as combining force and intelligence, with a large sound built from contrasting musical instincts.

Recordings and releases

In 1993, Kerbdog record their self-titled debut album at Vertigo Records’ studios in London. Jack Endino produces the album; he is also known for work with Nirvana, Soundgarden, Mudhoney and Gruntruck. In 1996, after Billy Dalton has left the band, Kerbdog return to record On The Turn for Mercury/Fontana, part of PolyGram. GGGarth produces the album in Los Angeles. Their sound on the record is shaped using a wide range of amplifiers and guitars, including old Les Pauls, Stratocasters and Telecasters.

Break-up, Wilt and later activity

Kerbdog split up in 1998. Cormac Battle and Darragh Butler then form Wilt, which later also breaks up after two albums. Kerbdog reform in 2005 and play a number of shows in Ireland, including sold-out concerts at the Temple Bar Music Centre in Dublin and a set at the Oxegen festival in July 2005. The band has loyal support from its audience during its original run and return.

Individual members

Cormac Battle lives in Dublin and presents a Sunday night radio show on Ireland’s 2FM. Colin Fennelly lives outside Dublin and works as a civil engineer in a cement factory. Darragh Butler lives and works in Kilkenny, where he owns the music shop Rollercoaster.