Dr. Dog has unveiled their latest single, “Love Struck,” a tender, shuffling ballad enriched by the backing vocals of M. Ward. This track exudes an unhurried, relaxed vibe, reflective of the band’s reimagined creative process. “Love Struck” was penned swiftly by guitarist and singer Scott McMicken, inspired by his own feelings of love. “One thing I wanted us to explore with this record was the idea of leaving more space in the music. As a rock band, we’ve tended to focus on constantly ramping up the tension, but it felt good to bring a more fluid feel to a song like ‘Love Struck,’” McMicken explains.
This single is part of their upcoming self-titled album, their first in six years, set to release on July 19, 2024. It follows previously released singles “Tell Your Friends,” “Talk Is Cheap,” and “Still Can’t Believe,” which have garnered attention from notable outlets like Brooklyn Vegan, Paste, Exclaim!, and Relix.
For over two decades, Dr. Dog has remained devoted to the unpredictable magic of making music together. For their 11th studio album, the Philadelphia-based band embraced a new collaborative approach, fostering deeper synergy among its members: bassist/singer Toby Leaman, McMicken, rhythm guitarist Frank McElroy, keyboardist Zach Miller, and drummer Eric Slick. Their journey began with an intimate session at Leaman’s uncle’s cabin, evolving into the joyfully unfettered psych-rock of their new LP. The album showcases a band that is growing and evolving, fully committed to creating music that enlightens the mind and expands the soul.
Mixed by multi-Grammy-winner Matt Ross-Spang (known for his work with Jason Isbell and Drive-By Truckers), the album marks the first time McMicken has taken the role of producer. The recording process spanned three distinct phases, starting with a five-day stint at the Pennsylvania cabin. There, the band recorded live to McMicken’s 8-track tape machine without rehearsals or overdubs. “For this record, there was an emphasis on creating something very soulful and live-feeling, which meant starting with all of us looking each other in the eye and connecting to the music,” says McMicken. “The idea was, ‘Let’s be loose, let’s not overthink.’ The more you can let go of that fear of being imperfect, the more you open yourself up to deeper expression.”
The band initially tracked nearly two dozen songs at the cabin, each member subsequently adding new textures and details to the recordings from home. The final phase took place at their Philadelphia studio, where they reviewed and finalized each track, culminating in their signature five-part harmonies.
Dr. Dog’s new album promises to be a soulful and vibrant addition to their discography, showcasing their continued evolution and unwavering commitment to their craft.