Don’t Tell The Dog - James Marriott

Don’t Tell The Dog

James Marriott

LP2

June 13th 2025

Background

James Marriott is an English indie rock musician, he was first known as a Commentary YouTuber before releasing his first single Slow Down (2020). Before Slow Down he often made music as small gags in his videos (Adios Lele). 

My Opinions and Takes

Track List Overall Rating:

1. Ventriloquist (16/20)
2. Something’s Wrong (17/20)
3. Plasticine (16/20)
4. It’s Only Love (14/20)
5. Food Poisoning (18/20)
6. Toothache (15/20)
7. I Don’t Want To Live Like This (18/20)
8. How Could I Say No? (19/20)
9. Pillow Fight (19/20)
10. Why Don’t You Just Kill Me? (15/20)
11. Limbs (19/20)
12. Staring At The Sun [BONUS TRACK] (19/20)

Why (My Reasoning and Perspective) 

Do not tell the puppy or so I’ve been told, “Don’t Tell The Dog” is the second studio by James Marriott. The album is great, however the sudden whiplash from “Are We There Yet?” to “Don’t Tell The Dog” is honestly very seen. As much as I would’ve loved one more transitional song, going straight to the new sound is definitely a statement. Plus “Pillow Fight” truly carries the weight in that department 

The album shows how James has grown as a musician since 2023’s “Are We There Yet?” and feeds me showing how maybe ONE DAY he will release a “Slow Down” and “Grapes” remaster (ONE DAY). The lyricism is definitely great, you can’t tell from the tracks what James’ favourite word is. The best song for instrumentation to me would definitely either be “Limbs” and “I Don’t Want To Live Like This” specifically IDWTLLT 

If I were to name albums or tracks that came to mind whilst listening to the album it would definitely have some “Is This It?” - The Strokes influence to me, specifically “Food Poisoning”

“Something’s Wrong” was definitely one of my favourite singles, I had found an early live version somewhere and there it went into my local files instantly. Somehow although I am allergic to live songs, it was on rotation. The fact it was nearly not a single if not for the fandom felt like a crime. 

“Plasticine” and “Why Don’t You Kill Me?” are my only like down sides to the album, they felt to, just song. They didn’t truly make an impression on me, “Toothache” is also guilty of this but on a lesser level. 

Overall a great album from a great musician with a great backing band. 

18/20