To my ears, ‘Pampered Menial’ is one of the best debut albums of all time. With only David Surkamp remaining from the musicians that made that classic piece of American Prog, I was not confident that the current lineup could send chills down my neck the same way that the original did. Silly me, that voice, set against a full throated violin, still gives my neck the treatment.
Pavlov’s Dog were always about extremes of emotion and imagery and Surkamp’s songwriting still evokes great pictures in the mind, while his voice, that almost-strangulated vibrato, adds a depth of feeling so that the words are doubled in impact. And the band around him – Sara Surkamp – vocals, guitar, Abbie (Hainz) Steiling – violin, mandolin, Rick Steiling – bass, Mark Maher – keyboards, Steve Bunck – drums – are a brilliant complement to Surkamp’s skills.
And the songs. Always the songs. Opener ‘Anyway There’s Snow’ is full of dark melancholy, with superb violin underlaying Surkamp’s impassioned vocals and dramatic as an opera. ‘Another Blood Moon’ is almost simple but the innate sadness in the lyrics is emphasised by a string section and pounding drumbeat.
One of my favourites is ‘Jet Black Cadillac’, a real rock number with a strong violin riff set against power chords, but as always, Surkamp’s vocals carry all the real strength and focus.
On the instrumental ‘Calling Siegfried’, the jazz-like feel to the number allows each member to show a piece of their talent – I presume this will be a major part of the live shows in future.
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.
Pavlov’s Dog are not for everyone – Surkamp's voice is the epitome of Marmite – but if you dig modern Progressive Rock, this album is one that you should be searching out and absorbing. Welcome back to the Dog.
