“Dog” is one of those songs that’ll leave you contemplating your life after listening. “Dog” is one of those few. Released early as a way for Sullivan and her partner to process grief following a house fire and the loss of their dog, the song feels heavy from the start.
Over the past decade, Cincinnati-based Mol Sullivan has built the song “Dog,” which quickly became one of my new favorite songs. Her voice draws you in and is reminiscent of a softer Holly Macve.
The track is an ode to her dog, who came into her life during her alcoholism and stayed with her for her sobriety, watching her prosper. “My father was about to bury me/ until the love of a dog showed itself to me/ you got me out of my bed/ and out of my own head/ you saved me from myself, my friend, ” are the lyrics that hit me the most. Having childhood dogs and losing them during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed my family and me to get up in the morning and find a sense of humanity within ourselves.
There is a truth within them that anyone who has had a pet will recognize: a pet can keep a person sane.
The song was recorded at Silver City Studios in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by her and her band. Sullivan handles vocals, guitar, synth, and auxiliary percussion, joined by Alessanrdo Corona on drums, Stephen Patota on guitar and bass, Will Hansen on pedal steel, Chris Robinson on guitar, Doug McDiarmid on melodion, and Josh Evert on piano and synth. The track was mixed and mastered by Josh Evert and co mixed by Sullivan herself.
To anyone who has ever lost a dog, you’ll resonate with this love song. Sullivan captured the feeling beautifully, and I can’t think of a better song. If you like this song, check out “Before”.
Written by Anthony Perez
