(Artist Update)

Written by: Cody Denning  

Philadelphia’s indie rock veterans Dr. Dog have came back with their self-titled eleventh album, Dr. Dog, released July 19, 2024, on We Buy Gold Records. After a three year studio break and a 2021 commitment to ease up on exhaustive touring. Scott McMicken (vocals/guitar), Toby Leaman (vocals/bass), Frank McElroy (guitar), Zach Miller (keys), Eric Slick (drums), and Dimitri Manos (multi-instrumentalist)—has crafted a record that’s both viby and soul-searching. This release proves the band’s psychedelic spirit remains undimmed.

Recorded initially in a Pennsylvania cabin and polished in their Philly studio, Dr. Dog balances raw, ramshackle charm with refined artistry. Produced by McMicken, whose solo work with Scott McMicken & The Ever Expanding honed his production chops, and mixed by Grammy-winner Matt Ross-Spang, the album channels 60s influences like The Beatles and Big Star while exploring new sonic ground. Tracks like the soulful “Authority” and the M. Ward-featuring “Love Struck” burst with psych-rock energy and folk sincerity. Fans on X have supported songs like “Talk Is Cheap” and “Still Can’t Believe” as a “love letter to their legacy,” with McMicken noting the album captures a rediscovered band purpose.

In 2021, Dr. Dog opted out of relentless touring to avoid becoming a “nostalgia act,” as Leaman told the press, prioritizing family and personal growth. Instead, they’ve focused on high-impact one-off shows, like their recent sold-out Chicago performances, where fans praised their electrifying chemistry. No extensive tours are planned for 2025, however rumors of festival appearances are swirling. This shift has allowed the band to channel their energy into music that feels fresh and intentional, keeping their live shows a rare, coveted operation .

The band’s creative fire extends beyond Dr. Dog, with McMicken releasing solo music in 2022, Leaman crafting an EP and solo album, Slick working on new material, and McElroy dabbling in checkers. “We’re all feeding off each other’s energy,” Slick shared on X, a dynamic that fuels the band’s latest work. With 5.8 million monthly Spotify listeners and a devoted cult following, Dr. Dog stands as a defiant middle finger to algorithm-driven pop, reaffirming their status as indie’s lovable underdogs. We will Continue to keep you up to date on rock music, support our reports and eveything we are doing in media by contributing  donations or buying a Soundwave shirt! Keep on Rockin!

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