Wonderlust Pavlov's Dog

• 1 Anyway There's Snow 03:50
• 2 Jet Black Cadillac 05:16
• 3 Mona 04:24
• 4 Another Blood Moon 05:57
• 5 Collingwood Hotel 05:01
• 6 Solid Water, Liquid Sky 06:04
• 7 Can't Stop The Hurt 03:24
• 8 Calling Sigfried 03:10
• 9 I Told You So 04:40
• 10 Canadian Rain 06:28
• 11 I Wait For You 02:03
• Total Runtime 50:17

Info for Wonderlust

Pavlov’s Dog has always lived at the crossroads of the dramatic and the melancholic, and with their new album Wonderlust they prove once again that their story is still being written. Arriving a full fifty years after their debut Pampered Menial and its enduring single “Julia” briefly lifted them into the 1970s progressive rock spotlight, Wonderlust shows the group not revisiting their legacy but expanding it.

“I’m so proud of Wonderlust. Sometimes it just takes a half century to discover the proper lyrics, chords and melodies,” says singer, guitarist, and chief songwriter David Surkamp. “Abbie Steiling has created some of our most haunting moments with her breathtaking string arrangements. In fact, the entire Pavlov’s Dog ensemble have delivered the best work of my life so far. Very exciting here in my winter years!”

That enthusiasm rings true throughout the record. Wonderlust is packed with intelligence, sophistication, and the sweeping theatricality that has defined the band from their earliest days. Tracks like “Anyway There’s Snow” and “Another Blood Moon” highlight Surkamp’s instantly recognizable voice against lush violin and string backdrops, while rockers such as “Mona” and “Collingwood Hotel” keep the band’s grit intact. “Jet Black Cadillac” offers a bittersweet twist, its wistful verses giving way to a soaring chorus that treats the titular car as a vehicle for escape. Elsewhere, “Solid Water, Liquid Sky” shows a playful edge, while “Can’t Stop The Hurt” leans into harder territory.

For fans of the band’s more progressive flourishes, the album’s back half holds plenty to savor. Steiling’s instrumental “Calling Sigfried” gives the group room to stretch, while closing numbers co-written with the late Doug Rayburn, including “Canadian Rain,” summon the adventurous spirit of their 1970s heyday with tempo shifts and even a surprise slap bass break.

Formed in St. Louis in the early 1970s, Pavlov’s Dog fused rock, classical, and folk in a way that won them cult devotion but only fleeting commercial success. The original lineup dissolved by 1977, yet Surkamp kept the flame alive, recording with Rayburn in 1990 before building a new, longer-lasting incarnation of the band in the 2000s. The current lineup features Surkamp, his wife Sara on vocals, Steiling on violin, Rick Steiling on bass, and Mark Maher on keys. This ensemble has been together for seven years, a run far surpassing the original version of the group.

Wonderlust captures the band at a moment when they still have plenty to say. Surkamp’s voice remains commanding, the arrangements are rich, and the songs bear the weight of lived experience without losing their spark. For long-time followers and new fans alike, it shows that good music, deeply felt and beautifully executed, will never fade.

Pavlov's Dog

Pavlov's Dog As the U.S. based progressive rock phenomenon Pavlov’s Dog nears the half century mark of its history, this most curious of legends continues to astound its loyal fans with some of the most unique music ever conceived in its genre. Rumors and tall tales abound throughout its storied career, and that of its leader singer/composer David Surkamp.

Founded in 1973 as a quartet consisting of David, bassist Rick Stockton, violinist Siegfried Carver & drummer Mike Safron, the band was duly signed to ABC Records to the then unheard of sum of $500,000. With industry expectations through the roof, Pavlov’s Dog delivered one of the most brilliantly confounding debuts of all time with its initial release “Pampered Menial.” To say the album left journalists sometimes speechless, sometimes tongue-tied, would be a gross understatement. To put it simply, no one had ever heard anything like the incredible songs and vocal performances of this singular effort. Songs including “Julia,” “Late November” & “Of Once & Future Kings” remain concert highlights decades after their release.

The foundations of mystery developed throughout the following few years. Concert performances with acts including ELO, Arrowsmith, Kraftwerk, Nektar and Blue Oyster Cult met rave reviews. Soon upcoming giants, including Heart, Thin Lizzy, Bob Seger and Journey, found themselves opening shows for Pavlov’s Dog. Still, American radio found the band’s one of a kind brilliance an uncomfortable fit in the era of the dreaded corporate rock formula.

During the recording of the band’s third album, David had reached the breaking point. Unhappy with the ego fits & chaos of the other band members, the bard left his band behind and journeyed to the great northwest scene of Seattle where he continued to explore his unique musical vision. Combining his talents with former Fairport Convention vocalist Ian Matthews, the two friends delivered an exhilarating pair of albums under the banner “Hi-Fi.” Those two efforts remain valued collectors items in knowing circles.

Pavlov’s Dog reappeared briefly for the release of 1990’s “Lost In America,” and then came together for its 30th anniversary reunion concert in the group’s hometown of Saint Louis. Inspired by duo performances with his wife Sara, and the addition of world class soloist Abbie Steiling on electric violin, the ensemble returned to the concert stage with Pavlov’s Dog turning out electrifying sets in its own grand tradition throughout Europe. The band’s initial return culminated in a breathtaking performance in front of 54,000 fans at the Arrowrock Festival in Holland.

Not content to rely solely on its classic albums, Pavlov’s Dog has continued to expand its vision with an unrivaled bevy of new album releases, including two concert albums “Live & Unleashed” and

“Housebroken.” More importantly, David has composed two extraordinary collections of songs on studio released masterpieces “Echo & Boo” and “Prodigal Dreamer.” In addition, all the original albums have been rereleased with bonus tracks courtesy of Rockville Records.

Booklet for Wonderlust