Album Review: L.A. Witch – DOGGOD

Devoted, Gothic, Atmospheric, Punk

L.A. Witch, the acclaimed rock trio from Los Angeles, includes Sade Sanchez (vocals/guitar), Irita Pai (bass), and Ellie English (drums). The trio released their third studio album, DOGGOD, on April 4, 2025, and recorded it at Paris’ Motorbass Studio. 

L.A. Witch is known for blending reverb-drenched psychedelia, garage rock, and post-punk influences. The band initially caught attention with their gritty, retro sound that evokes the haunting atmospheres of ’60s and ’70s rock. L.A. Witch has always incorporated dark themes in their lyrics, focusing on love, loyalty, and devotion. With the release of DOGGOD in 2025, they established themselves as an innovative force in contemporary rock.

The album is arranged in a captivating way, keeping the audience’s attention while leaving listeners guessing what will be next. Many notable tracks within the nine-track album showcase the band’s skill in merging themes and many influences. There are many notable tracks within the album that many listeners will remember. The album offers an entertaining experience for listeners throughout every song. 

“Icicle,” a track, immediately shows L.A. Witch’s change toward a more atmospheric, post-punk sound. The song has elements of their early garage rock roots with a darker tone. “Icicle” with guitars filled with reverb take center stage, creating a chilling, immersive atmosphere. The track sets the tone for the album’s exploration of existential themes and provides listeners with an entertaining experience that pulls in audiences and keeps them wanting more. 

“Eyes of Love” is a meditative exploration of love and spirituality. The track is defined by its repetitive rhythms and haunting vocals, creating an atmosphere that feels otherworldly and intimate. The lyrics suggest themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the connection between love and devotion, drawing parallels to the unwavering loyalty of dogs. The song’s repetitive nature echoes the consistency of these feelings.

“The Lines” blends post-punk rhythms with guitars and pounding drums. This song feels like a collision of darkwave and garage rock. This track demonstrates L.A. Witch’s knack for crafting powerful anthems with emotional depth and sonic vigor, as reported by FEMMUSIC. Many listeners will find this song very entertaining and captivating. 

The title track, “DOGGOD,”  suggests the album’s overall theme: devotion, loyalty, and submission. The song delves deep into the symbiotic relationship between dogs and gods, with lyrics like “hang me on a leash” and “’til I wait for my release” reinforcing the idea of selfless devotion. The track perfectly summarizes DOGGOD as it blends the band’s punk influences with a more introspective, almost spiritual exploration of faith and loyalty.

L.A. Witch’s sound further solidifies their place in the rock scene. By blending post-punk, garage rock, and existential themes, the band pushes the boundaries of their craft while maintaining the gritty intensity that first garnered attention. Many new listeners and loyal fans will find themselves intrigued and pulled into this album by the band’s near perfect arrangement—the L.A. The Witch’s ability to reinvent themselves while staying true to their roots is evident throughout every song. 

The tour starts on May 1st in Los Angeles, CA, at The Roxy, before heading to San Francisco’s The Fillmore on May 4th. Following that, the band will bring their unique blend of post-punk and garage rock to cities like Chicago, IL, at Lincoln Hall on May 10th, with more dates to follow. With the release of DOGGOD, their live shows are expected to embody the same raw energy and immersive atmosphere that the album brings to the studio.