by Nikki M. MascaliWeekender Editor
After just one listen to “Be The Void,” Dr. Dog’s seventh album, you find its 12 tracks staying with you. The sextet, which recorded all but one song at its Meth Beach studio in Philadelphia, mixed its adventuresome live spirit with a few bells and whistles throughout “Be The Void.” The end result is polished, with more than a few tastes of Dr. Dog’s lo-fi roots.
The record lifts off with the twangy and thumping “Lonesome,” which precedes “That Old Black Hole” and “These Days.” Both of those are frolicking; the catchy former has a throaty, bouncing bassline and a festive jam, while the latter features pounding piano and a beat that begs for an open road.
“How Long Must I Wait?” is poppy while Dr. Dog dials back the freewheelin’ fun a bit to deliver the earnest “Get Away,” where the group’s soaring harmonies call to mind some of its ’60s-era influences amid pretty violin and cello. More sunny harmonizing can be found on the cheerful “Do The Trick,” which also boasts tambourines, some “oohs” and “ahhs” and fun child-like keys.
While “Be The Void” is fairly standout heavy, “Vampire” leads the pack. The tune about a woman who has “no reflection at all” is loping, with vocals full of sincerity and hope — despite said woman poignantly being “as tempting and savage as Marcellus Shale.”
“Heavy Light” is rousing, with bleeps and prominent drums while “Big Girl” is jovial and jammy. Dr. Dog — Scott McMicken, Toby Leaman, Frank McElroy, Zach Miller, Eric Slick and Dimitri Manos — gets back into sugary-pop territory with “Over Here, Over There.”
“Warrior Man” is sludgy and sounds like ’60s-era British folk and punk met up in — and blew the roof off — a dusty garage. The plucky “Turning The Century” closes the album with a slow-as-molasses Americana vibe.
“Be The Void” is a triumphant, stripped-down listen, one that leaves a lasting impression and perfectly captures Dr. Dog’s early days and live celebrations.
Rating: W W W W W
| Tweet | Follow @wkdr |
|
|
