Since starting in 1999, Philadelphia's Dr. Dog have established a reputation as a reliably good rock 'n' roll band. On their latest album, they add a new element to their sound: Philly soul.
The band go about soul as they do rock, creating something charmingly rough around the edges. These imperfections are balanced out by the razor-sharp harmonies and dynamic vocal trade-offs by Scott McMicken and Toby Leaman.
Lyrically, opening track "The Truth" honors soul heroes of the past, and musically it offers the band's contemporary spin on the tradition. "Too Weak to Ramble" is a powerful acoustic number, and "Love" is an anthem that's both romantic and contemplative, asking, "Love, can it last all my life as it passes?" Though love doesn't always endure, the band prove that their music has staying power.
