In 2021, Dr. Dog issued a statement saying they would no longer tour but made it clear, "this is not a break up or anything like that." Still, fans wondered what their future might hold. Two weeks ago, the Philly favorites announced a new album coming in July and first since 2018. In honor of this glorious news, let's take a look at some of what the two main songwriters have done in the interim. 

Guitarist Scott McMicken released Shabang last March, credited to him and THE EVER-EXPANDING. Less than 13 months later, he and an intentionally different THE EVER-EXPANDING return with a seven-track, 35-minute session recorded in one shot, befitting its name. When It's Happening dropped five days before the Dr. Dog announcement, and while much of it is as engrossing as many Dog tunes, it nestles into a unique spot among McMicken's output: a chill-out space that sounds unlike anything else he's done or that from his fellow tunesmith in 2022.

Bassist Toby Leaman's Military Applications EP is one track and eight minutes shorter than Scott's latest, but while When It's Happening can warm you to sleep, Military Applications serves as a welcome pick-me-up to get you going. The opening bounce of "Spooked the Kooks" coupled with Toby's distinct voice instantly draws you back into the Dr. Dog world and their catalog full of great summer jams. 

However brief, these albums can help satiate hungry Dr. Dog fans who undoubtedly have July 19 circled on the calendar.