Black Dog Moon are the culmination of the long and storied career of Conal Montgomery. A 5 piece blues-infused rock and roll band that proudly wear their influences on the backs of their denim jackets but bring their own unmistakable swagger and perspective to their sound. Self titled debut album was released in June 2024 and caught the sharpened ears of Hot Press, Rock n Load theBeat.ie, and BBC radio show Precious Metal. After a string of dates in support of the album the band the band are ready to release their new single ‘Neon Queen’, The lead single of their forthcoming album ‘Hell and Back’. With amps dimed to 11 the band tear through a rip-roaring NWOBHM tinged track, thunderous drums and multiple finger shredding solos in check. No neck is safe.
Formed in wake of Conal’s previous band Sweetleaf, who clocked in thousands of miles touring Ireland and the UK, playing with the legendary Motorhead and Eric Bell (Thin Lizzy) along the way. Black Moon Dog emerged as a fully realised band, with an ambitious debut album to introduce themselves to the world. Their sound is characterised by riffing dualling guitars, rumbling bass, and Conal’s inimitable voice.
‘Neon Queen’ wastes absolutely no time in letting you know what you’re in for, crunchy guitars, riffs and huge drums are the order of the day. All given voice to by Conal Montgomery’s massive vocal. The next 5 minutes are a relentless heads’ down assault as the dual guitars of Daniel Martin and Dylan Kelly dish out riff after riff. Filling out the verses with crunchy palm muted parts and then letting fly with a flurry of notes during another incendiary guitar solo. Steve Glackin’s drums give purpose and drive to the song, adding bullet hole exclamation marks to Nicky Brown’s bass. The rhythm section keep things locked down as guitars spiral around each other. Conal’s vocals soar over the considerable roar of the band, as he narrates the tale of the ‘Neon Queen’.
Production was handled by Steve Fearnley at Narrow Water Studios in Warrenpoint, bringing a contemporary approach while perfectly capturing that 80’s classic rock sound. Black Moon Dog aren’t reinventing the wheel here more like claiming it as their own, setting it on fire and giving it a damn good spin.
The single is released ahead of their sophomore album due in November as well as a handful of live dates.
Live Dates:
The Corner Stone Festival 20 September
The Atlantic Sessions November
Planet Rockstock Trecco Bay Wales 29 November