New Release Tuesday: Dalek, Dr Dog & Do Make Say Think

Do Make Say Think You, You're a History In Rust (Constellation)

It might just be a coincidence that Do Make Say Think release their latest full length just one week after local favorites Explosions in the Sky, but even without the timing to consider, both albums (and their eager fans) confirm the post-rock instrumental movement's throbbing heart. At the core of this kind of thing must be a conscious effort to avoid the trappings of the soft-loud-soft recipe, or so it would seem, considering the sheer breadth of the album. Successfully working beyond the constraints (or expectations) of their genre, the band adds vocals (starring member of Akron/Family and Great Lake Swimmers) and (gasp) a linear chorus-verse-chorus track, "A With Living". Yeah, it was partially recorded in some shack in western Canada (probably no running water, for effect), but there's nothing wrong with that when the results are so impressive.

Do Make Say Think MySpace
Do Make Say Think
Buy it @ Waterloo

Dälek Abandoned Language (Ipecac)

Wall of noise experts Dalek have produced a complicated and deceiving album with their fourth full-length: one the one hand, the sound is melodic and accessible to many hip-hop/DJ and noise fans, and on the other hand, the album's dark and bizarre compositions combined with layered instrumentation present a (not accidental) Lynchian vibe that puzzles after a few close listens. They explain, "We want to embrace you with the sound and then suffocate you." Well ok, just don't finish me off, I'd like to hear what you come up with next.

Dalek @ Ipecac
Dalek Official
Dalek MySpace
Buy it @ Waterloo

Dr Dog We All Belong (Park the Van)

Dr Dog have been writing catchy poptastic tunes in their hometown of Philadelphia for several years, but it was the invitation to tour with My Morning Jacket that gave them enough money to buy a microphone for their home studio to record. Last year's EP, Takers and Leavers, made national magazines and newspapers, earning the band a reputation as a songwriting force as well as an energetic live act. With harmonies and instrumentation often compared to the Beatles (in its classic pop framework layered with psychedelic charm) and a particular hometown band feel to their songs, Dr Dog carry the same torch that bands like MMJ and Catfish Haven do, inspiring traffic jam sing-a-longs and porch beers into the evening.

Dr Dog @ Park the Van
Dr Dog "My Old Ways" (mp3)
Dr Dog MySpace
Buy it @ Waterloo