With gently warbling organ, warm tube amps, The Band-esque vocal harmonies and the kind of resonant, straight-to-tape tom-toms that would make Levon Helm swell with pride, these Philadelphia indie-rock veterans prove it’s possible to teach an old pooch new tricks. After tracking Abandoned Mansion in 2014 only to shelve it until 2017, releasing the long-lost Psychedelic Swamp in 2016 and taking a break from touring—Dr. Dog are recalibrated, recentered and reinvigorated, touring behind 2018’s Critical Equation. “I feel like I’m in a totally new band right now,” says guitarist and singer Scott McMicken.
Dr. Dog
Tue, 9pm, $26+
The Catalyst, Santa Cruz
