Chicagoland indie-pop troubadour DOLPH CHANEY – recently making a big noise with acclaimed local gigs fronting his freshly-minted backing band THE PHINS – makes a surprise return with the brand new single “Mr. Eli” and its virtual B-side “Murderfish” on Friday, August 4 (with pre-orders and pre-save live now: orcd.co/dolphchaney-mreli). The A-side is the world's first preview of Dolph's highly anticipated new album due this fall from BIG STIR RECORDS, again produced by NICK BERTLING who helmed the singer-songwriter-guitarist's breakthrough album THIS IS DOLPH CHANEY (2021). Here, Bertling swings hard on the drums as Chaney's blazing guitar and swooping vocals evoke his heroes Bob Mould and Harry Nilsson in equal measure, delivering a slyly loving tribute to an animal companion which, like its subject, is instantly adorable despite (or perhaps because of) its teeth.

“For those of you who don't like songs about cats, here's another of my songs about cats,” jokes Dolph, “specifically my eldest, a spirited chartreuse whose scar-tissued eye does not hinder him from seeing his world and going after it with full gusto. Yes, he really plays fetch, loves my father-in-law the best, and steals French fries. I wrote the tune as a direct result of catching many live acts – particularly Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, Alpine Subs, Elephonic, and Einstein’s Sister – as part of the 2022 International Pop Overthrow Festival in Chicago. So much gleeful tuneage and positive vibes couldn't help but rub off, and there's no better subject to apply that to than this awesome fuzzy scamp.”

The exclusive non-album B-side “Murderfish” is a sharp bite of August fun inspired by a quintessential Summer blockbuster film of years past. “Oh, and did I mention, Eli watches TV? Especially… murder-oriented TV? Specifically, most of all, programs about marine predators,” Dolph tells us. “And in particular: every single time JAWS comes on, he sits at attention and watches the show, intently. My wife and I decided that Eli considers it to be a classic documentary about the superheroic Murderfish, and the various jerks of Amity Island of whom he disposes. As for the song, thanks are due to Giovanny Blanco of Truck Stop Mixtape, whose songwriting challenge requesting new songs about sharks was a clear call to action. And a lot of arrangement credit goes to Nick Bertling, who took my more or less straight-up surfy demo and added not only the expertly maniacal battery and bass work but also a wildly screeching synth in place of a wordless falsetto vocal, and topped it all with gleefully ghoulish piano pounding worthy of John Cale. ”

“Murderfish” will remain exclusive to this digital single, while “Mr. Eli” teases something that Dolph's been more than hinting at at his recent live shows, debuting several new songs in addition to the single. Yes, a new album is already completed and on the way – expect it in October – and it's certain to thrill those who discovered the artist through THIS IS DOLPH CHANEY. Continuing the Bertling collaboration, the new record moves forward from TIDC's revisitation of the classic Chaney songbook to new songs reflecting Dolph's experiences and outlook over the past few tumultuous years. The title? Yet to be revealed, although we can promise you that you'll be seeing DOLPH CHANEY's mug all over the place this Autumn.