Dr. Something
Contact: Alison Dennis
drsomethingmusic “at” gmail.com
Photo by Miri Stebivka (mirifoto.com). Click to Embiggen.
“[A]n indie bedroom/garage recording project that has the bombast and sentimentality of musical theater, but also the deliberate lyrical strangeness and unsettling vibe of art rock.” – Matthew Perpetua on Fluxblog
“[D]eeply sad and deeply beautiful and deeply hilarious” – Laser Malena-Webber of The Doubleclicks
“Alison Dennis manages to make keys, clarinet, drums and vocals sound like a raucous orchestra in full swagger. Her theatrical bent and mastery of the counterpoint prove both innovative and playful and really, really shouldn’t be glossed over.” – Jacob An Kittenplan on Cassette Gods
“Atmospheric in every sense of the word, Dr. Something’s minimalist chamber folk pop takes on strange artistic sensibilities with aural novelty mixed with a slight cat-crazy Tumblr aesthetic.” – The Deli Portland
“The inventiveness of the composition and arrangements delights on every track.” – Matt Dinaro of Rock and Roll Portland
Music Links:
Dr. Something’s music is available to stream and download on Bandcamp.
Photo by Holgate Brianna. Click to Embiggen.
Bio:
The project of longtime Portland songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alison Dennis, Dr. Something uses imaginative instrumental and vocal textures alongside humorous, emotionally trenchant lyrics to create engaging chamber pop that blurs the line between art and novelty. Filling out the band’s sound are dynamic drummer Michael Wilding, intrepid bass guitarist Jacob Anderson and, on special occasions, the back-up singing, go-go dancing sensations Amy Baxter, Erika Garlock and Christie Welsh. RIYL: Nellie McKay, John Grant, Belle & Sebastian, The Zombies
Dr. Something’s latest EP, The Transit Suite, released on September 27th, 2019, is a series of 5 musical vignettes about Portland-area transit centers inspired by Alison’s experiences of local transit centers, and the beauty, struggles, and emotions of everyday life commuting via mass transit. Featuring woodwinds, piano, guitar, bass, vocal harmonies, drums and violins, it’s a miniature symphony about daily banality, unexpected social intersections, climate change, and the importance of public space and services.
Transit Suite EP Credits:
All songs written and produced by Alison Dennis.
All songs recorded and mixed by Nalin Silva at Type Foundry and Revolver Studios, except for “Beaverton TC,” recorded and mixed by Alison Dennis at All I Feel Is Yes HQ and at home.
Mastered by Amy Dragon at Telegraph Mastering.
Album cover art by Josh Gates.
Jacob Anderson – electric and upright bass
Alison Dennis – vocals, piano, guitar, clarinet, recorder, tenor saxophone
Shawn McLain – violin
Michael Wilding – drums
The Transit Suite Cover Art, Painting by Josh Gates
