Cabin Dogs at Ardmore Music Hall 12/15
words: Pete Caperonis | photos: Alex Buschiazzo
The Cabin Dogs graced the stage of Ardmore Music Hall on a frigid Thursday night, blanketing the eager fans with a set that included some newly penned tunes that warmed like a wood stove. The new songs augmented the band's rich catalogue of timeless Americana/psychedelic/classic rock music, and also explored new funky and soulful flavors. They'll be featured on a 2017 release that has yet to be titled, the band's 5th full-length original album.
Having led the band together for over 20 years, frontmen Rich (rhythm guitar) and Rob Kwait (bass) command confidence with their songwriting and tell musical stories we identify with. Set opener Lansing Groove conjured hints of The Doors with Lee Schusterman's ethereal keyboards and hypnotic rhythms. The dual drummers, Stephan Divincenzo and Jeff Levinsohn that drive the Cabin Dogs create a visual and aural experience that is irresistible.
The songs have a unique way of turning melancholy into something positive. New track "Torn in Tatters" might seem like a sad song if you just read the lyrics, but the funky, Garcia-like guitar hook, major chords, and creative rhythmic arrangement not only keeps your interest, but gives you hope. The set continued with "Deeper Dawn", a track that you could hear yourself humming along with on XPN's Sleepy Hollow. Fittingly, the show was expertly mixed by Julian Booker, the Sunday morning host of said program and veteran sound engineer, who expertly blended soothing vocal harmonies with the driving rhythms and dynamic vibe.
The Cabin Dogs bring a whole new element to songs that have a familiar feel and genre. On a classic track, "Cumberland Mine", the Cabin Dogs brought a soulful, southern waltz feel, featuring a stirring solo from vocalist/percussionist Jeanine Reed Meo. You could feel a Grateful Dead homage, but the track, just like the band, is uniquely its own thing. As the set drew to a close, they brought the crowd together with a powerful "Loving Cup", which featured their own arrangement, raucous harmonies and a ripping solo from lead guitarist Ira Race.
After finishing their set with another feel-good original, "40 Miles", the Cabin Dogs made it plain to see there aren't too many bands in the Philadelphia area with the same longevity and charisma. In a city that prides itself on itself, this band is a homegrown jewel that deserves the airplay they get on radio shows like Sleepy Hollow and the Philly Local Show on XPN. If they keep writing great songs and performing them as skillfully as they did on Thursday, they'll be bringing smiles, no matter the climate, for years to come.
Having led the band together for over 20 years, frontmen Rich (rhythm guitar) and Rob Kwait (bass) command confidence with their songwriting and tell musical stories we identify with. Set opener Lansing Groove conjured hints of The Doors with Lee Schusterman's ethereal keyboards and hypnotic rhythms. The dual drummers, Stephan Divincenzo and Jeff Levinsohn that drive the Cabin Dogs create a visual and aural experience that is irresistible.
The songs have a unique way of turning melancholy into something positive. New track "Torn in Tatters" might seem like a sad song if you just read the lyrics, but the funky, Garcia-like guitar hook, major chords, and creative rhythmic arrangement not only keeps your interest, but gives you hope. The set continued with "Deeper Dawn", a track that you could hear yourself humming along with on XPN's Sleepy Hollow. Fittingly, the show was expertly mixed by Julian Booker, the Sunday morning host of said program and veteran sound engineer, who expertly blended soothing vocal harmonies with the driving rhythms and dynamic vibe.
The Cabin Dogs bring a whole new element to songs that have a familiar feel and genre. On a classic track, "Cumberland Mine", the Cabin Dogs brought a soulful, southern waltz feel, featuring a stirring solo from vocalist/percussionist Jeanine Reed Meo. You could feel a Grateful Dead homage, but the track, just like the band, is uniquely its own thing. As the set drew to a close, they brought the crowd together with a powerful "Loving Cup", which featured their own arrangement, raucous harmonies and a ripping solo from lead guitarist Ira Race.
After finishing their set with another feel-good original, "40 Miles", the Cabin Dogs made it plain to see there aren't too many bands in the Philadelphia area with the same longevity and charisma. In a city that prides itself on itself, this band is a homegrown jewel that deserves the airplay they get on radio shows like Sleepy Hollow and the Philly Local Show on XPN. If they keep writing great songs and performing them as skillfully as they did on Thursday, they'll be bringing smiles, no matter the climate, for years to come.
Cabin Dogs
Cabin Dogs full Set captured by Chris Cafiero
