Brown Dog Jr.

Brown Dog Jr

The band: Lee County alternative rock trio formed in 2016

Their sound: The band describes it as “fuzzy guitars with spicy rhythms.”

The album: The 10-song “Field Guide: In The Dark Of The Forest” was released in May.

Key Tracks: “Badlands,” “Blue Ridge” and “Taiga” show off the band’s diversity, says singer/guitarist David Groves. “‘Badlands’ is a blues song with a reggaeton rhythm. ‘Blue Ridge’ is a country song with psych-rock vibes and warbling guitar delay. ‘Taiga’ is an upbeat folk funk song with blistering fuzzed out guitar leads.”

The album/EP’s themes: “‘In the Dark of the Forest’ explores what it means to be human, the complexity of that, to be hopeful, anxious or insecure, contemplate mortality, desire love, fear loss, etc.,” Groves says. “The songs often masquerade as odes to travel or hunting or other lonely pursuits, but we think after a good listen another theme emerges: A certain vulnerability and longing for connection.”

Band members: David Groves (vocals/guitar), Jeffrey Schechinger (bass/vocals) and Chris Muckerheide (drums)

Where they got the band’s name: “Brown Dog is the protagonist of a series of novellas by poet/writer Jim Harrison,” Groves says. “Jim’s writing and spirit for life greatly impacted me and my writing. I wanted to honor that.”

Musical influences on the album: Timber Timbre, Howlin’ Wolf, The Melvins, Deer Tick - Fort Myers News Press