PRESS
Mug
“While its original heyday was in the early ‘70s, power pop never went away; songwriters and musicians continued to craft finely-tuned, compact songs that – in their own often modest way – carried on the tradition. Dolph Chaney is one of those, but he’s much more than just one of those. As good as 2021’s This is Dolph Chaney showed itself to be, here a couple of years later the Chicago(land) rocker has taken (as they say) a great leap forward. ...heartfelt and meaningful lyrics, but listeners need not tune into them to appreciate the strong melodic values of the song; they merely make it even better. The set blows by quickly, feeling much shorter than its 48 minute run time; that’s a testament to Chaney’s songwriting and arranging smarts. Anyone who enjoyed Chaney’s previous outing will be more than captivated by Mug. And for those checking him out for the first time, this is the place to start. Superb!” - Bill Kopp
“For all the depth on show here, there is something really special when Chaney lets rip. Mug is one of the great "Singer Songwriter" albums; lyrically adept, heartwarmingly melodic and a wonderful production of 13 special songs.” - Don Valentine
“One they made like they used to. Specifically, Chaney as primary songwriter, and co-conspirator Nick Bertling as his personal mad multi-instrumental scientist, give spark to a collection of tunes developed over decades which are informed by the same spirit of ’70s-ish pop that inspired musicians like Matthew Sweet and Velvet Crush. “Informed,” not beholden to. Chaney also infuses his narratives with a light touch, even when the topics verge on the heavier parts of life. You can intuit the occasional aura of Barenaked Ladies around his concoctions while, at all steps, being himself. ...there is a thread weaving these songs together even if [MUG] is not a concept record outright. The intention is clear. As Thomas Walsh once sang, “It’s nice to be nice,” but you don’t have to make yourself the tragic figure of your own novel.” - Dw. Dunphy
— MusicTAP