DR. DOG: Philadelphia’s finest here in Visalia!

SoundTRACKS

Once in a great while one of those bands comes along that simply has it all: infinite songwriting talent, five singers delivering impeccable vocal harmonies, hook-filled guitar and piano riffs, tastefully arranged string accompaniment, and subtly sprinkled modern electronics, all fused by a locked tight bass and drum section. I’m speaking of course of Philly’s current musical sensations Dr. Dog. After rave reviews in The New York Times and extensive touring with Wilco, Dr. Dog has just released an unforgettable and highly anticipated new album simply titled “Fate”.

As “Fate” should have it, I (along with a quickly growing fan base) can’t stop playing the record. On “Fate” Dr. Dog has once again gracefully bridged the best of past and present psychedelic pop-rock music. Dr. Dog creates an Abbey Road-era Beatles aesthetic, while combining tightly arranged modern pop orchestration that rivals contemporaries such as Wilco.

But it wasn’t until I watched the band perform their new single “The Old Days” on Late Night with Conan Obrien that I fully realized just how much of a treat Visalia is in for upon the band’s Cellar Door arrival on Saturday, September 20th. The band absolutely delivers live!

What follows is an interview I conducted with Zach Miller, Dr. Dog’s keyboardist, guitarist, and backing singer.

Aaron Gomes: Wow, you guys have spots on both Lollapalooza and the Treasure Island Festival on this tour. I feel so spoiled to get to see you guys in Visalia at such a small and intimate venue.

Zach: Things are moving along.

A.G.: What can the Central Valley expect from a live Dr. Dog performance?

Z: Hmmm…you can expect a lot of rockin’ guitars; some super-premium codas not found on the record, extra drum fills.

A.G.: Please share a funny, or memorable, Dr. Dog on-tour memory.

Z: In the early days, way back on some December fifth, we were scheduled to perform at the Lucky Cat in Brooklyn. The night before the gig there was a huge snowstorm and all our gear froze over. We were still determined to do the show, so we got on the train with an amp, a couple of guitars and keys and borrowed the rest. It was one of the most fun show memories. We were proud we made it.

A.G.: We’ve been blasting your amazing new album “Fate” on our local Visalia station KFSC 94.1. Where did you record the album, and can you share a few words about the experience of recording the record?
Z: We recorded it at our own studio in the Kensington neighborhood of Philly with mostly the same setup as “We All Belong” (the previous record), with a few new bits of gear and a better knowledge of everything added into the mix. It was a great experience recording this record and we’re all really proud of the sound of the album.

A.G.: Please name a few bands that you find particularly exciting these days?

Z: Elvis Perkins, Deerhoof, Ariel Pink, Joanna Newsom, and Seth Kauffman.

A.G.: Dr. Dog guitar tones are very fresh and varied. What is the “go to” guitar effect pedal for you guys?

Z: That’s the RAT you’re hearing!

A.G.: Is there anything the Central Valley should know in preparation for our Dr. Dog show on Sept. 20th?

Z: The best I can tell you is to keep your ears out for those extra drum fills and rockin’ guitar codas. I wouldn’t want to spoil too much of the surprise, would I?

Dr. Dog headlines The Cellar Door (101 W. Main St., Visalia) on Saturday, Sept. 20th. Delta Spirit and Hacienda open the show.

Listen to Dr. Dog: www.myspace.com/drdog

NOTICE OF CORRECTION FROM AUGUST EDITION: Run 4 Cover will be playing The Cellar Door on Friday, October 3rd.