Dr Dog

Dr. Dog has created a song cycle of doubt and despair, bookended with the woozily swirling harmonies of Leaman's lonely opener 'Stranger' and the harsh self-critique of the title track, a gnarled admission that sometimes it's best to admit your mistakes and move on. Their most openly autobiographical release, ranging from McMicken's exploration of West Philly underlife in 'Shadow People' to his account of two soul-bearing late night conversations in 'Jackie Wants a Black Eye,' it's an album whose… Show more dark themes are soothed by bright harmonies, taut guitar riffs, and soaring melodies. Past stylistic references remain, but the tone is entirely different, with doubt, confusion and unanswered questions. And yet Shame, Shame is not a joyless affair. Just like each of their previous albums, it's a record destined to claim its place on the timeless margins, untouched by modern tastes and content to exist on its own terms. Dig deeper, and you'll hear that it's the sound of bones groaning to support new growth and the story of how just how difficult the maturation process is, even when you want it more than anything. It's the sound of Dr. Dog writing their next chapter, the one they've been working towards since they played their first notes together.

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