Dr. Dog’s latest full length, We All Belong hit store shelves a couple weeks back and as someone who calls myself a fan of the band, I’ve been letting the new one sink in a bit. The thing that usually happens in a Dr. Dog review is that a wild number of comparisons are thrown out, usually to the detriment of the band. This is unfortunate since every single band in existence has had their influences affect their music.

And outside of those bands that seem to only be cloning themselves in their favorite bands likeness, this is not a trait that should be looked down upon. Dr. Dog, out of Philadelphia, are no exception in that their influences are well represented on their records. The new one, We All Belong, isn’t one that stands out in their catalog but has some real standout songs within it at the same time. “The Girl” has a heavy guitar riff that drives it straight into your subconcious, which is something I really wish this band would do more of. Im also a fan of their poppy harmonic side, which is well represented throughout the album on songs like “My Old Ways” and “Ain’t It Strange” the latter of which also can be found on their most recent EP, “Takers and Leavers”. What really stands out though is how tight the album comes across. Especially from a band that favors lo-fi recording and laid back arrangements. But Dr. Dog did step up to 24-track recording for this disc, and its evident throughout.
So, its best to acknowledge Dr. Dog as a band with that is starting to realize it’s potential on My Old Ways, tightening up their sound while staying true to the rustic nature of their music that got them to where they are in the first place. Rather than a band that has Beatles records playing in the soundtracks of their heads.

We All Belong is out now from Park The Van Records.

Dr. Dog – My Old Ways

Dr. Dog – The Girl

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