Review by Phil Rozier for MPM
Dogstar’s journey is one of rock’s most unexpectedly triumphant arcs. Formed in mid90s Los Angeles, the band began as a casual jam between Keanu Reeves and Rob Mailhouse, two friends bonding over punk, grunge, and the kind of altrock that thrives in cramped rehearsal rooms.
When Bret Domrose joined on guitar and vocals, the trio found their voice. Melodic, earnest, and refreshingly unpretentious. Through the late 90s and early 2000s they built a cult following the old school way: relentless touring, heartfelt songwriting, and a reputation for being the real deal in a scene obsessed with polish. They released Our Little Visionary (1996) and Happy Ending (2000), opened for Bon Jovi in Australia, toured Asia, and carved out a loyal global fanbase before disbanding in 2002.
Then, in 2023, Dogstar pulled off the kind of comeback twist even Keanu would approve of. Reuniting with renewed purpose, they released Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, a confident, modern evolution that surprised critics and delighted longtime fans.
Older, tighter, and more assured, the trio stepped into a second golden era that feels less like nostalgia and more like unfinished business. Now, with a new album arriving this May and UK shows set for 2026, Dogstar are fully re-energised and ready to push forward. Which brings us neatly to their latest single, “All In Now,” the next chapter in a comeback that’s becoming one of rock’s most satisfying returns.
It’s the kind of track that makes you involuntarily straighten your posture, squint into the middle distance, and mutter, “I’m thinking I’m back.”
The trio, Bret Domrose (vocals/Les Paul), Rob Mailhouse (drums), and Keanu Reeves (bass, spiritual guide, bringer of groove), have been on a creative voyage since their reunion, and this single is another confident stride into their sharpened, modern sound.
Where their last album reintroduced Dogstar to the world, “All In Now” feels like the moment they naturally progress, choosing the red pill of the alternative rock world. It opens with Keanu’s bass cutting through the mix with a crisp, clear, simple riff. Very Queens of the Stone Age, but with that Dogstar warmth that keeps it grounded. The riff loops with hypnotic insistence, the kind of pattern that burrows into your skull and sets up camp. It’s simple, deliberate, and absolutely the right choice for a three piece who know exactly how to leave space without losing power.
Mailhouse’s drumming is tight and unfussy, driving the track with a pulse that feels like Neo dodging bullets. Precise, economical, and somehow both relaxed and intense. He’s always been the band’s secret weapon, and here he plays with a confidence that says, “are you listening to me, or are you watching the girl in the red dress?”
Lyrically, the vocals are matched to the grunge-esque vibe. Not earth shattering, nor are they driving some form of inner anger. They’re calming, yet definitive, and match the pace and feel of the groove.
If you fancy some old school grunge, with an updated feel, played by some steady musicians, then get ya ass down to one of their upcoming UK shows.
If you fancy wearing an armoured fabric suit, covering a smiley faced t shirt, arriving in a Mustang, saying ‘whoa’ all night, and constantly diverting the answer away from the question ‘are you working again?’, then also go to the shows. Only don’t expect to be fully understood or appreciated, unless I see you there.
New album out May 29th. Listen to the title track & pre-order limited edition signed glass clear vinyl here: https://dogstar.lnk.to/allinnow
Stay safe from scammers and be sure to get all of your tickets through our official site at https://www.dogstarofficial.com/#tour
North America pre-sale tickets available on Tuesday, March 10th at 10am local time. Sign up here for access: https://www.dogstarofficial.com/#join
Photo credit: Zachary Gray
