By now, one basically knows what to expect from a new Dr. Dog album – just the sixties basics. The band has released record after record of simplistic neo-Beatles material that can be catchy, even enjoyable, but is never inspired. That continues in the utmost with B-Room.
A relatively quick follow-up to last year’s Be the Void (QRO review), B-Room starts out simple with the sway of “The Truth”, and never really builds from there. The following “Broken Heart” is the relative high point, thanks to rhythmic vocals, even if the lyrics are banal. That banality cuts through the album – there are back-to-back songs named “Rock & Roll” and “Love” (and “Rock & Roll” might be the second-best piece on B-Room). “Minding the Usher” drags on and on and on like its lyrics, supposedly soulful folk “Too Weak To Ramble” is too weak to have any weight, “Phenomenon” is anything but with its forgettable banjo, “Cuckoo” is just hippie meandering & noodling, and “Twilight” tries cutesy small.
Yes, enjoyment can be found in the B-Room – “Distant Light” is utterly cheesy, but at least works for what it is. And there are many who enjoy Dr. Dog for who they are, especially live (QRO live review). But all that can’t cover up yet another needless record from Dr. Dog.