In 2024, as Pavlov’s Dog celebrated the release of the career-spanning retrospective box set
Essential Recordings 1974–2018, the band was already hard at work on a new album of original material. That album, entitled
Wonderlust, has now arrived on Ruf Records –- a half-century after their debut LP
Pampered Menial with the hit “Julia” briefly made Pavlov’s Dog the darlings of the 1970’s progressive rock scene.
Wonderlust is a work of exceptional creativity, with songs built on intelligent songwriting, top-flight musicianship, and the unfailing flair for the dramatic that has been a hallmark of the band’s sound throughout the years.
Formed originally in St. Louis, Missouri in the early 1970s, Pavlov Dog’s unique blend of rock, classical, and folk music turned them into cult legends. Their initial moment in the sun was brief, however: by 1977, the original lineup had already dissolved. The aforementioned Surkamp carried on creating and rejoined fellow founding member Doug Rayburn to record Lost In America in 1990. The second chapter of Pavlov Dog’s career, however, didn’t truly get going until well after the turn of the millennium, with a talented assemblage of next-generation musicians carrying the band’s legacy forward.
Still fronted by mainstay Surkamp, the group has raised its game in recent years as a new wave of interest in prog rock has allowed them to tour regularly (indeed, Pavlov’s Dog make their touring debut in Australia this October in support of Wonderlust). The current lineup has, in fact, far exceeded the original version of Pavlov’s Dog in terms of longetivity: Singer Sara Surkamp, violinist Abbie Steiling, bassist Rick Steiling and keyboarder Mark Maher, together with founder David Surkamp, have formed the core of the band for the past seven years.
Already featured on 2018’s celebrated Prodigal Dreamer, this veteran team of musicians -– with help from drummer Steve Bunck, guitarist Phil Ring and others -– proves itself once again on Wonderlust. From the very first listen, one is struck by the great depth, maturity, and vision inherent in the album’s eleven tracks. Some, like the opener “Anyway There’s Snow” -– where Abbie Steiling’s gorgeous violin features prominently — dazzle with drama. The strings-soaked “Another Blood Moon” exemplifies Pavlov’s Dog’s brand of musical melancholy; on an album full of powerful vocal performances, this may be Surkamp’s most gripping. Yet don’t forget that Pavlov’s Dog is first and foremost a rock band. Tunes like the hard-driving “Mona” and the no-nonsense “Collingwood Hotel” hit home. “Jet Black Cadillac” sounds like the title of a classic rock n’ roll number, but the song is typically wistful at first. (Let’s face it: Pavlov’s Dog almost always sounds at least a little bit melancholic). Once the titular Cadillac appears in the upbeat chorus, the track soars, the dream automobile acting as a means of escape from the blues. Then there’s the cheeky charm of “Solid Water, Liquid Sky” and the hard rock leanings of “Can’t Stop The Hurt.”
“Timeless progressive rock…on the profound, melancholy ballad “Another Blood Moon” David Surkamp delivers his by far most gripping vocal performance, accentuated by almost hypnotic string passages…a can’t miss long-player!”
MUSIKATLAS.AT
“Wonderlust is a unique blend of rock, classical and folk…sharp, clear and well-balanced, dominated by piano, fiddle and (lead vocalist David) Surkamp’s singular vocals…”Can’t Stop The Hurt is powered by a meaty riff, and the instrumental Calling Sigfried written by Abbie shows the band having all kinds of fun.”
“Pavlov’s Dog’s music is majestic and emotional…among the album’s highlights: the passionate “Long Black Cadillac,” the CD’s first single; “Calling Sigfried,” an instrumental written by Stirling paying tribute to original Pavlov’s Dog violinist Sigfried Carver; and “Canadian Rain,” one of three numbers that Surkamp wrote with (late) group co-founder Douglas Rayburn…Wonderlust is as good as anything in Pavlov’s Dog’s catalog, which is saying plenty.”
AMERICANA HIGHWAYS
“Opener ‘Anyway There’s Snow’ is full of dark melancholy, with superb violin underlying Surkamp’s impassioned vocals and dramatic as an opera…‘Jet Black Cadillac’ is a real rock number with a strong violin riff set against power chords, Surkamp’s vocals carrying all the real strength and focus. The epic ‘Canadian Rain’ is a massive, triumphant piece. Huge in its soundscape, dynamics and sheer pomp, one of my favourite tracks of the year. If you dig modern progressive rock, Wonderlust is one album that you should be searching out and absorbing.”
MUSIC-NEWS.COM
“Wonderlust is chock-full of solid tunes and I wouldn’t call it anything but well-produced pop rock…‘Jet Black Cadillac’ and ‘Mona’ are excellent ensemble pieces with Abbie Steiling’s weaving violin a highlight and Phil Ring doing his best Lindsay Buckingham impression on the former. ‘Can’t Stop The Hurt’ is catchy riff-driven rock…after a seven-year recording hiatus, Pavlov’s Dog may have at last found their true mojo.”
GET READY TO ROCK
“Wonderlust is an album full of well-executed, fully realized progressive rock, led by David Surkamp’s distinctive vocals and anchored by the group’s masterful musicianship…proves that this old dog can still learn—and teach—new tricks.”
MAKING A SCENE
“Opening song, Anyway There’s Snow, has a lovely piano score underneath layers of guitar and strings and vocals that are crisp and clear…Another Blood Moon has become my favorite. Maybe it’s the lush strings or maybe it’s the lyrics, but these various parts arrange themselves into a very nice piece. Great song!…If you’re into prog rock, this album is already on your radar, if you’re not, you might want to check Pavlov’s Dog out to see if you are as pleasantly surprised as I am.”
SUBSTACK
“Long-lost US progressive rock band returns with a pleasing melodic rock album…the vinyl perfectly reproduces the songs produced by Surkamp, Steiling, and Jacob Detering and mastered by Brad Sarno.”
MINT MAGAZINE
“Mona’ has a distinct pop-rock feel with a strong melody and firm guitar chords by David Surkamp and a nicely-executed violin lead by Abbie Steiling….wrapping the release: ‘I Wait For You,‘ featuring David’s trademark vocals accompanied by Mark (Maher) on piano and Abbie on violin in clean, folk/pop-like form. Solid closer.”
BMANS BLUES REPORT
Pavlov’s Dog Wonderlust CD Review Copies/Interviews Available.
Source: dougdeutschPR
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