Dr. Dog Live @ Thalia Hall in Chicago
Review By Sydney Cramer
For months I have resorted to shoving headphones in my ears and turning the volume to its max to hear the echoing “ONE, TWO THREE … “ that rings out before Toby Leaman’s powerful vocals roll in to kick off my favorite Dr. Dog song “Nellie.”
Although very late to the game, I found Dr. Dog last summer and have been swooning over their music since. There is something about their songs, even the slow ones, that make it nearly impossible not to be happy. Whenever I hear Leaman and Scott McMicken’s hearty voices, it transports me back to warm summer nights with no worries in mind––so naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to attend one of their two sold-out shows in Chicago.
Now for anyone that knows Dr. Dog, they are aware of the versatility of sound the band emulates. From psychedelic rock to indie-folk to Americana and lo-fi, the band catered to the ears of many by playing a curation of older and newer songs. Even before I could think about what they sounded like live, I was captivated by the energy they carried onto stage with them and the smiles that plastered across their faces during each song they played––it was undeniable that each member truly enjoys making and playing music, which floated into the essence of the crowd.
For being in the music game since 1999, the Dr. Dog boys had more energy than most of the young pop-punk bands I have seen live and it was a late show. Aside from the energy, the band delivered a polished live set that bounced off every corner of the towering walls of Thalia Hall––sounding even more put together and natural than a recorded production.
To add on to the folky-ness of the band’s tunes, hearing the subtle, yet tasteful, inclusions of maracas and tambourines in the background gave life to the more quiet parts of the songs. And it is not often a band’s percussion stands out to me, but Dr. Dog’s strong snare slams intertwined eloquently with the choppy guitar riffs––which was of course enhanced by the ever so slightly dancing of fingers along the keys for vocal breaks.
Though the more upbeat and aggressive songs were the most fun, I was absolutely drawn in with the band’s softer songs like “The Breeze” and “Buzzing in the Light,” both which I teared-up to with grin shining from ear-to-ear. There is nothing better than swaying back and forth slowly with my hands folded on my heart, singing along the words of a song that helps me trudge through my day-to-day life.
Dr. Dog transported me to a bonfire in mid-July with the soothing strums of an acoustic guitar calming my mind and heart––and I was slowly brought back to venue with McMicken’s soulful harmonica hums.
A Dr. Dog concert is one that truly puts you in the exact moment, where no thoughts of the outside world come to mind and you are one with the band, and everyone else in the room. While all concerts bring you closer to strangers, these indie-folk gems bring you even closer, creating a comfortable and safe space unlike any other.
Needless to say, a Dr. Dog live show is an experience, not simply a concert. Once you see them live, you are morphed into the fandom for life and that happiness you get from singing along to “The Breeze” never fades.
Check out Dr. Dog on all streaming platforms and at a show near you––and who knows, maybe we can all expect some new feel good music soon.