Dr. Dog – Be The Void

Let‰’s be clear, Dr. Dog aren‰’t reinventing the wheel here. Their latest release follows the same psychedelic, ’60s-style rock radio as their previous releases. It might seem easy for this band to grow tedious by their seventh full-length, but there‰’s something we always forget about Dr. Dog; they are damn good at what they do.
The album opens with bluesy track “Lonesome‰Û, filled with stomps and slide guitars. “That Old Black Hole‰” changes things up a bit with a disco style soul and backing bongos (BONGOS? BONGOS!). When “These Days‰” kicks in, you might think Dr. Dog has gone garage rock with its octaved guitars and drums that would make a Ramones fan jump in their seats. Yet, these newer sounds fit in perfectly with their pre-established style.
What Dr. Dog flaunts best on Be The Void is their atmospheric and “dancey‰” songs, such as “How Long Must I Wait‰” and “Heavy Light‰Û. The influence of afro-pop and hip-hop melds perfectly with the psychedelia of their early work. Dr. Dog proves yet again that their is still plenty of mileage left in their wheels, you might as well enjoy the ride.
Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8
RIYL: Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Delta Spirit, Portugal. The Man