Pavlov’s Dog

Wonderlust

Ruf Records

Originally formed in St. Louis, Missouri, in the early 1970s, Pavlov’s Dog’s unique blend of rock, classical, and folk music turned them into cult legends. The band’s name is a reference to the animals used by Ivan Pavlov in his experiments on classical conditioning—the study of learned responses.

The group’s initial moment in the spotlight was brief, as the original lineup disbanded in 1977. Lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter David Surkamp continued to create and later reunited with fellow founding member Doug Rayburn to record Lost in America in 1990. The second chapter of Pavlov’s Dog’s career didn’t truly take off until well after the turn of the millennium, when a new generation of musicians helped carry the band’s legacy forward. Still fronted by Surkamp, the group has elevated its game, fueled by a renewed global interest in progressive rock that has allowed them to tour regularly.

The current lineup has far exceeded the longevity of the original band. David is joined by vocalist Sara Surkamp, violinist Abbie Steiling, bassist Rick Steiling, and keyboardist Mark Maher. This core ensemble—together for the past seven years—was also featured on 2018’s Prodigal Dreamer. For Wonderlust, the veteran team is joined by new members: electric guitarist Phil Ring and drummer Steve Bunck.

The album was co-produced by David Surkamp, Abbie Steiling, and Jacob Detering, who also mixed and engineered it at Red Pill Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. Orchestrations and string arrangements are by Abbie Steiling, while vocal arrangements were contributed by Brian Clarke. All songs were written by David Surkamp unless otherwise noted.

The dramatic opener, “Anyway, There’s Snow,” prominently features Abbie’s gorgeous violin as the Surkamps sing, “Cruel wind blowin’ all around me, blue mound shining as hard as it can, look around and they’re making me dizzy, I want to stop but I don’t know if I can… anyway there’s snow, there’s snow.”

“Jet Black Cadillac” sounds like the title of a classic rock-and-roll number, but the song itself is wistful and melancholic. Once the titular Cadillac appears in the chorus, the track soars—the dream automobile acting as a symbol of escape from the blues—as they sing, “I can see I don’t believe you stayed so long, hear about your rendezvous, tried and I’m through so unamused and I’m still broken in two, rendezvous in a jet black Cadillac, gotta get you home.”

The hard-driving “Mona” follows, as David pleads, “Don’t say that you love me, don’t say that you will, don’t say that you understand, it hurts me still. Don’t treat me the right way, I only know when I am wrong, ain’t afraid of you walking away, it hurts, it hurts me still.”

The string-soaked “Another Blood Moon” exemplifies Pavlov’s Dog’s signature blend of drama and melancholy, lifted by Abbie’s sweeping arrangement.

The no-nonsense “Collingswood Hotel” comes next as David groans, “I think I spent the night with you at the Collingswood Hotel. I’m thinking what I mean to say—it’s kind of hard to tell. I hitched my way on a falling star to find a way on earth. That’s why I said I told you so, just when you hit the dirt… I’d really love a second look a little further down the line.”

The charming “Solid Water, Liquid Sky” unfolds as David moans, “Hey, can’t wait a minute longer, why cry out, it takes just a minute of time. Can’t wait any longer… all blue jean me and you need a little more time. I run to you, I fall in you, I never let go. Solid water, liquid sky—it’s all too beautiful to feel and so.”

The hard-rocking “Can’t Stop the Hurt” begins with David crying, “Stay by me, and baby don’t you go. Stay by me, and baby don’t you know there ain’t no running, and there ain’t no sin, there is no way out and now there’s no way to win. Can’t stop the hurt, there’s no running and there ain’t no lie. Tell you now, it’s going to be your turn to cry. Can’t stop the hurt.”

“Calling Sigfried,” written by Abbie Steiling, serves as an instrumental showpiece, showcasing her expressive violin work.

The final three songs were co-written by David Surkamp and Douglas Rayburn. “I Told You So” and “Canadian Rain” both carry a reflective tone. On “Canadian Rain,” David sings, “Just another way to say it never had to be that way. Most times lovers are lost wondering why. I wish I had the money or the nerve left in me to blow them away, leave behind the cold Canadian rain,” punctuated by a standout slap bass solo from Rick Steiling.

The album closes with “I Wait for You,” a beautifully haunting ballad as David croons, “Evening sunset’s gone, who knows where you could say. Welcome to the stars, you could say hello, not goodbye—and I wait for you. Evening holding on, they always do. No time’s lost when you haven’t missed the hour, no one way of even knowing why—I wait for you. Everything holding on, they always will. You could say welcome to the stars, you could say hello, not goodbye—I wait for you.”

Pavlov’s Dog sounds like a band whose creative well is still brimming with new ideas. Wonderlust is an album full of well-executed, fully realized progressive rock, led by David Surkamp’s distinctive vocals and anchored by the group’s masterful musicianship. The result proves that this old dog can still learn—and teach—new tricks.

Richard Ludmerer

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included