The raw energy of a live show is a difficult thing to capture on a record, but the Golden Dogs, known for their boisterous, adrenaline-charged performances may have accomplished just that. Last July, the Toronto-based group released their third full-length album, Coat of Arms, to widespread critical acclaim.

The album stays true to the group’s unique style of power pop while incorporating new sounds to produce a fresh take on indie rock, resulting in an infectious, melody-driven record with an effortless, vintage vibe.

Jessica Grassia, the group’s harmony vocalist, attributes the high energy and quirky character of Coat of Arms to the individual attention invested in each track.

“Each song kind of gets whatever treatment it needs. Certain songs need certain vibes. On this record, we tried to have more people playing at once to get that vibe,” Grassia said. “We had a lot more power on this record and we learned from our past mistakes. It was a process of finding out how it is that we’re supposed to sound on record.”

Following their 2008 tour, the Golden Dogs parted ways with their record label and took some time off as a group. Feeling refreshed and confident after some changes to their line-up, the Dogs returned to the studio to record Coat of Arms with help from Carlin Nicholson and Mike O’Brien of Toronto-based rock group Zeus.

“There was no pressure; we kind of called all the shots,” Grassia said. “For this [record], we decided to do it with our friends, Carlin and Mike, in their studio … it was a really good vibe and it was just fun.”

“Nothing was really planned out, it was all just full of surprises. We left a lot of things open. Some songs didn’t really even see the light of day ‘til the studio,” Grassia said, adding, “2009 was a pretty rough year for us personally and the studio was kind of everyone’s saving grace.”

This natural recording process allowed the Golden Dogs to create the record they had always wanted to. Throughout the album’s 42 minutes of dizzying energy, the band stays incredibly tight and united. Grassia’s sweet-sounding harmonies are offset by Dave Azzolini’s disheveled baritone, while Taylor Knox holds down a rocking and strong backbeat. The Golden Dogs have displayed incredible growth in Coat of Arms, creating a more confident and cohesive record without abandoning their signature sound. This album is 12 tracks of bright, boisterous rock that is easy to listen to and easy

to love.

Following their January tour, the Golden Dogs are planning to return to the studio to record a fourth album, the first with their current line-up that includes James Roberston on guitar and Jay McCarroll on bass. The Dogs are hoping that this album will reflect the growth the group has experienced as a result of touring together.

“We feel more confident and more empowered … We’re really excited about making a record with a full band,” Grassia said, adding, “It’s just a really good dynamic.”

After a studio stint and a visit to the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, the Golden Dogs will perform their first show overseas at the Liverpool Sound City Festival in May, alongside their friends Zeus. Grassia said she’s grateful for the support the Golden Dogs have received from Zeus over the years, and attributes the success of their work together to an existing strong friendship.

“It’s always happening. We’re a part of each other’s lives all the time. [Zeus is] just starting to do a record now and they’re already saying, ‘When are you guys gonna come by?’ It’s just support, really, and it’s mutual respect.”

The Golden Dogs’ show in Kingston this Friday will mark the second of a five-show mini-tour of Ontario and Quebec. The group is excited to be back on the road and is looking forward to playing the Grad Club, promising to bring their high-energy, hip-shaking best to the show.

Grassia said, with a laugh, “I never have to worry if I’m gonna have a good time at the Grad Club.”

The Golden Dogs play The Grad Club tonight, doors open at 9 p.m.