Dr. Dog (album)

Dr. Dog is the eleventh album by American psychedelic rock band Dr. Dog. It was released on July 19, 2024, on the We Buy Gold label.

Production
When Dr. Dog announced their final tour back in 2021, they made it clear that the band was not breaking up. However, fans speculated otherwise due to the band's two-decade-long presence on the road, consistently offering one of the best live shows in indie rock. The decision to stop touring was influenced by changes in their lives and a desire to avoid becoming an uninspired, middle-aged band.

Despite the band being tighter than ever and still attracting new fans, they felt it was the right time to explore their lives outside of the band. This period of exploration eventually led to the creation of a new record, a self-titled album released on July 19, 2024.

The recording process for this album was influenced by guitarist and co-songwriter Scott McMicken's experience recording with Big Thief. The sessions for Dr. Dog began at bassist and co-songwriter Toby Leaman's uncle's cabin in Forksville, Pennsylvania. The initial sessions were characterized by a sense of excitement and immediacy, capturing the band playing live together.

The album marks lead guitarist Scott McMicken taking over as producer, but it is far from the brainchild of one musician. The five members of Dr. Dog, twenty years into their career, sound more focused and connected than ever. A bright chemistry keeps the sprawling effort honed, creating a welcoming environment where every idea is explored, cherished, and raised to its full potential. By throwing the songwriting rule book out the window, Dr. Dog created a consistently enticing LP with moments of vibrant psychedelic folk and honest songwriting.

Release
The album was released on July 19, 2024. The announcement of a new record came as a surprise to many fans who had assumed the band was effectively calling it quits. The album plays as if every last second was labored over for days, not as a collection of loose songs but as a cohesive piece connected by the warmth of lo-fi fuzz and cinematic tendencies.

Personnel
Dr. Dog
 * Toby Leaman – vocals, bass
 * Scott McMicken – vocals, guitar
 * Zach Miller – keys
 * Frank McElroy – guitar, vocals
 * Eric Slick – drums

Additional personnel
 * M. Ward – vocals on "Love Struck"