Posts tagged dr. dog
Dr. Dog, America’s favorite Philly fivesome not named Dennis, Dee, Charlie, Mac, and Frank, puts forth its sixth full-length release with Be the Void. Dr. Dog is comprised of Toby Leaman (bass/vocals), Scott McMicken (guitars/vocals), Frank McElroy (guitar), Zach Miller (keys), and Erick Slick (drums). The band has built a following over the years based on its energetic performances and throwback pop tunes, and they stand to make a larger mark on the greater music landscape with Be the Void. But will this release make waves or fall on deaf ears?
Sounds Like:
Beatles’ pop prowess mixed with the modern twists of MGMT and Portugal. The Man
“Lonesome,” Be the Void’s opening track and early gem, opens with a slow-paced beat driven by booming bass drum hits and thunderous hand claps. A fuzzy electric guitar riff adds a backdrop for a dirty Delta-blues slide guitar to frolic in the background. The bluesy lyrics (“What does it take to be lonesome? Nothing at all”) match up nicely with the vibe set by the instrumentation. A dark, mechanized bass hook introduces “That Old Black Hole.” This track starts out with heavy synths and other ambient sounds, but quickly shifts gears to a more guitar and keyboard sound. The tone also turns to the brighter side with this shift, as guitars pick up the pace and add an upbeat lightness.
Syncopated piano chords and a driving electric guitar riff kick off “These Days,” before subsiding to a lone, pulsating bass riff as a backdrop for the vocals. The bass line is joined by the piano and guitar riff following the chorus, allowing the band to indulge in a little jam session. Lyrically, “These Days” refers to periods referenced using the cliche phrase “those were the days.” Dr. Dog, though, wants to avoid such reminiscing and focus on the present, illustrated well by the lively nature of this tune. The album’s pace hits the brakes hard on “How Long Must I Wait.” A bluesy guitar solo over a stand-up bass line opens the song, and is joined by a heavy, hip-hop inspired drum beat accented by dark, dreary piano keys. Lyrics explore the emotion of carrying around the thoughts of an unrequited love and wondering how long one should wait before jettisoning such baggage.
Music video for “That Old Black Hole”
“Get Away” opens with soft splashes of piano chords and subtly synthesized strings. Dr. Dog’s layered backing vocals, very reminiscent of sixties pop, are on full display on this track. The tune builds as the theme of this song becomes apparent through the lyrics, emphasizing the pursuit of challenges of the unknown. “Do The Trick” opens with another foot-tapping drum and bass beat. This easy-paced beat carries throughout, though accompanying instrumentation varies. Clever lyrics find a speaker listing his insecurities and longing for a “better half” to help find some sanity.
Key Tracks:
Lonesome, That Old Black Hole, These Days, How Long Must I Wait, Vampire, Heavy Light, Warrior Man
The band jumps on a recent resurgent trend on “Vampire,” for which a booming electric guitar riff serves as the cornerstone. Humorous lyrics find the speaker professing his love for a vampire and some of the difficulties that arise from such a relationship — “you’re always giving me maybe if I get something at all / leaving me in the dark, oh what a nerve.” Verses are driven by a moving bass line and soft organ chords; the electric guitar riff adding significant bite, comparatively. “Heavy Light” seems to include two different movements. The first part of the song is driven by subtle synths, a simple guitar riff, and a drum beat that feels like it’s holding back. The tune quickly changes color, initially carried by what sounds like an electric sitar. The lyrics significantly change tone, as the latter portion of the song takes a more positive tune (“I wish I only gave love”) before fading out to silence.
A driving drum beat, piano, and electric guitar push “Big Girl” at a quick pace. Dr. Dog doesn’t venture too far into the unknown on this track, as the guitar riff maintains throughout. However, the band does indulge in some exhilarating guitar theatrics. “Over Here, Over There” explores the many roles we each have but often overlook. This one opens with a lively strummed acoustic guitar riff, and picks up pace with the entrance of drums and keys. The chorus is joined by electric guitars, adding another layer. The song ends in a flurry of guitars and drums, almost unrecognizable from where it began.
Best Lyric:
“I don’t want to let go / People they get so old / I hate when people say “those were the days” / Oh what are these then?” - “These Days”
“Warrior Man” opens with a digitized synth and other ambient sounds, before settling in to a sauntering pace driven by fuzzy electric guitars and a industrial-sounding synth hook. The pre-chorus stands in stark contrast, as the heavy drums and synth drop out, leaving a soft synth hook and layered vocals. Humorous vocals find the “warrior man” boasting his accomplishments, ranging from the creation of krav maga to the computer, “hubcaps and soda cans.” “Turning the Century,” the last track on Be the Void, begins with a finger-picked acoustic guitar riff accompanied by sitar. This instrumentation carries through the majority of the song, joined by light drum work and other ambient sounds. Though darker lyrically, the laid-back vibe of the tune makes for a solid last track.
Overall Rating:
Be the Void includes all the strengths Dr. Dog has picked up over the years. However, this album also illustrates the band’s continuing ability to make albums that capture the energy of their live shows while in the studio. Be the Void features solid songs from top to bottom, a testament to their songwriting abilities.
