Office Dog Release Debut Album 'Spiel'

Today, Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland-based trio Office Dog (Kane Strang, Mitchell Innes and Rassani Tolovaa) share their debut album 'Spiel' — out now in Aotearoa and Australia via Flying Nun Records. The album arrives with a video accompaniment to their 2023 standout single ‘Big Air’, directed by Sophie Black.

Adding to the excitement, Office Dog has inked a deal with the renowned independent U.S. label, New West Records, who will bring the album to global audiences on January 26 2024. While fans outside the southern hemisphere will be waiting a little longer to listen to the project, this news signals a significant milestone for the band and highlights the thriving landscape of Aotearoa’s independent music scene, putting it further on the map worldwide. 

“We’re so proud of this record and poured everything we have into these songs”, member Kane Strang says of Spiel. “To have it come out at home and in Australia is honestly such a weight off, and having New West get on board for the global release early next year is a complete honour, too.”

Recorded at Roundhead Studios, expertly produced by De Stevens (School Fair and Marlin's Dreaming) and mastered by Jonathan Pearce (The Beths) Spiel crafts intricate musical collages, fearlessly exploring complex emotions and passionate grit. Guitarist and vocalist Kane Strang's personal challenges, involving frequent travel between Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland and Ōtepoti/Dunedin, transformed Office Dog from a light project into something deeper. Those car journeys inspired lyrical content that captures the interplay of light and darkness, reflecting his emotional journey.

In celebration of the album’s release in Aotearoa and Australia, as well as the band’s new partnership with New West Records, Office Dog have also released the long-awaited music video for their 2023 single Big Air, directed by long-time collaborator Sophie Black. The song, written by Strang in Dunedin, was inspired by life’s triumphant turbulence, echoed in its foot-stomping energy and dissonant breakdowns. 

“Lyrically I think it’s about life’s peaks and troughs and how sometimes with a big high there’s a heavy low that follows.” Kane says, Regarding the video, he adds, “I like that it just focuses on this first part - the comedown never comes and it’s just these three kids having a day completely to themselves, catching some big air.”

Office Dog have been on a steady roll since they burst onto the scene in 2022, with singles such as Hand in Hand garnering instant airplay and charting success across the beloved Student Radio Network, dominating the #1 spot for multiple weeks on the Radioscope Alternative Charts and receiving support from the likes of RNZ, Undertheradar, Coup De Main and more. They are soon heading on tour in celebration of their debut here in Aotearoa, paying their hometown Ōtepoti a visit, as well as Ōtautahi, Pōneke and Tāmaki Makaurau, brought to you by 100% Good & Undertheradar — tickets available here. 

Check out all things Office Dog below:

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Artwork credit: Daniel Blackball Alexander