Written by Lauren Bucher
Odd-ball, eclectic, edgy—Dr. Dogmixes elements of ’60s pop with ’90s rock. The music is a throwback to the roots of pop music, paying tribute to The Beatles and The Beach Boys.The indie-rock band will play at Harding Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. in the Administration Auditorium with The Medders performing the opening act.”Their style is kind of like a modern alternative folk band. Dr. Dog sounds like a 1975 Bob Dylan and The Band mixed with a ’90s group like Third Eye Blind,” senior Rob Drake said.The five-member band is formed by Toby Leaman (bass), Scott McMicken (guitar), Frank McElroy (guitar), Zach Miller (keyboard) and Eric Slick (drums).The group will play songs from “Shame, Shame” and “Fate,” the latest two albums of six total releases.Since Dr. Dog swims outside the mainstream music current, many students may be unfamiliar with the group’s work, Corey McEntyre, director of Campus Life, said. Nevertheless, he said the band is established in its genre, having a devoted following among indie circles.”They played at every big music festival in America this summer,” McEntyre said. “They are on the up and up.”McEntyre said he arranged for the Philly-based musicians to come after receiving multiple student requests for the group.”I listen to Dr. Dog and am excited about seeing them live,” junior Dustin Smith said. “I think it’s cool that Harding made an effort to get a more underground and independent band.”The group played at Bonnaroo in both 2007 and in 2010 and later played in the South By Southwest Festival, among numerous other shows and tours. In 2004, My Morning Jacket invited the group to tour with them while they were still making a name for themselves. Since then, the rising musicians have toured with M. Ward and The Raconteurs.”Dr. Dog has two lead singers, and they both bring a slightly different feel, a different style to their songs,” Drake said. ” I love their music. I’ve been listening to Dr. Dog since their ‘Fate’ album.”McEntyre said The Medders will return to Harding to open for Dr. Dog. Since some of the musical stylings of both bands overlap, McEntyre said fans of Dr. Dog will likely enjoy The Medders and vice versa. “Cheyenne is one of the best musicians I’ve ever heard,” McEntyre said. “He is a fan of Dr. Dog, and the music will go well together.”Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase atwww.hardingCABtickets.com.
