Dr. Dog has been known for incorporating sweeping arrangements of strings, harmonies and guitar rock and this album doesn't deviate from that path. Though Fate is a departure from the distinctly lo-fi sound of previous albums, Dr. Dog offers up another batch of intricate pop songs on this record. It's still the punchy bass lines, Allman-like guitar work and R&B drumming of a band that is gaining increased notoriety with their classically-derivative sound, but it's taken a step further.

You may have heard something reminiscent of this before, which admittedly may excite you or not. The incorporation of lush harmonies, saloon piano, dueling guitars, grand horns and tender strings are what made the pop-rock songs of the '60s great and alluring. Dr. Dog re-imagines these sounds with a dash of soul that Philly musicians unconsciously create.

Dr. Dog's work retains the pop sensibilities of many of the classic bands they're often compared to such as the Beatles and the Beach Boys, particularly lyrically. Bassist Toby Leaman's worn, soul-drenched voice brings us to back to the sticky simplicity of pop music when he sings "what you thought was a hurricane was just the rustling of the wind" on Hang On . The rich harmonies on From make it one of the most memorable songs on the album, showcasing the fragile voice of Scott McMicken, whose distinct vocal tone gets more resonant and beautiful with each record.

These are nostalgic, raucous and somehow always tender songs and they're infectious as hell. Wistful yet never jaded, this is an album for a frantic drive to the beach on a Friday afternoon. And after finishing the album, I can't help but think Dr. Dog may be there already.

Additional Tracks:
The Breeze
Army of Ancients