London post-punk outfit Fat Dog will release their new album, ‘Cancel Me (I’m Tired)’, on October 2. The announcement follows the June 30 release of the project’s title track, “Cancel Me (I’m Tired),” and marks the band’s follow-up to their 2024 debut, WOOF.
New Album Details and Inspiration
The band’s upcoming record features 10 tracks, including previously released single “Go Fuck Urself”. According to a press statement released by the band, the title track “Cancel Me (I’m Tired)” draws sonic inspiration from John Lennon’s “How Do You Sleep” combined with the influence of Anatolian rock band Altın Gün. The song is “the sound of what happens when people push your buttons and your buttons start pushing back,” the statement added.
The creative process for the album began following the band’s tour of the United States last year. During that trip, Love proposed to his girlfriend in San Francisco before the couple married in Las Vegas. Love noted that the band played a show to two people in Las Vegas the day prior to the ceremony, an experience he described as having “depressed Elvis ringing in his ears” upon his return to the UK.
Lyrical Themes and Evolution
While the band’s debut album, WOOF., saw Love leave the lyrics until last, he took a different approach for the follow-up. He stated that he felt he had much more to say this time. The tracklist for the record touches on diverse topics, including addiction, family ties, love, AI, ancestry, and pop culture references ranging from Chris Tarrant to M&Ms.
Tour and Live Performance Schedule
Fat Dog is currently engaged in a series of festival appearances and support slots across Europe. Following these dates, the group will embark on a headline tour of the UK and Europe beginning in October.
Selected Upcoming Dates:
- July 1: Berlin, Olympiastadion (supporting Foo Fighters)
- July 3: Vienna, Ernst-Happel-Stadion (supporting Foo Fighters)
- July 5: Milan, Ippodromo Snai La Maura (supporting Foo Fighters)
- September 5: Larmer Tree Gardens, End of the Road Festival
- October 24: London, O2 Academy Brixton
The band is also scheduled to perform a series of in-store shows surrounding the album’s release, with entry details available via pre-order.
Critical Reception and Band Identity
Fat Dog gained significant industry attention following their 2024 debut, WOOF., which earned a five-star review from NME. The publication praised the group for being “unserious, unhinged and sensational,” highlighting the band’s commitment to their aesthetic, including drummer Johnny “Doghead” Hutchinson’s ever-present latex dog mask.
Keyboardist Chris Hughes previously told NME that the band’s internal dynamic is a primary driver of their success. “We get these moments where everything lines up,” Hughes said. “We all look at each other on stage, and quietly recognise that we’re playing a really good gig.”