Band pic by: Nick Kiefer
Dentist comes from the oceanfront urban landscape of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Their sound combines the freedom of the beach atmosphere and the urgency of the city into a fuzzed out, surf punk-tinged brand of indie pop with hooks and infectious melodies to spare. The ethereal vocals of Emily Bornemann are countered by the sometimes aggressive, but always addictive sounds of Justin Bornemann on guitar and Matt Hockenjos on drums.
Dentist formed in 2013, built around the songwriting partnership of Emily and Justin. The pair had been writing songs and performing together in various ways since their first meeting at the legendary punk hangout, TGI Friday’s. The band released their self-titled debut album in 2014, which Pandora described as “a deliriously infectious collection of fuzzy, California-styled, indie pop jangle and sun dappled garage rock crunch.”
Dentist released their sophomore album, Ceilings in the summer of 2016 via Little Dickman Records to critical acclaim. The band began touring regularly and Dentist’s notoriety continued to grow along the way. During this time period Dentist received praise from the likes of Stereogum, Noisey, Flood Magazine, and Collide and were also named one of the top bands at SXSW 2018 by The Mercury News and NPR’s Sound Opinions.
Dentist released their third album Night Swimming in July of 2018 on Cleopatra Record. Their strongest release to date, the album was described by The A.V. Club as having, “tight chemistry, killer hooks, and a distinctive sound that’s both lo-fi and retro-pop smooth.” Following the release, Dentist embarked on a month long tour across the country. Dentist has been on bills with many national acts. The list includes Television, A Giant Dog, White Reaper, Modest Mouse, Laura Stevenson, Mrs. Magician, Death by Unga Bunga, GYMSHORTS, River Boat Gamblers, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Spider Bags to name a few. In the fall of 2019, Dentist joined fellow Asbury Park duo Brick + Mortar on a 5 week US tour. They released the single “Someone Like You,” which was featured on Taco Bell’s ‘Feed the Beat’ website.
The beginning of 2020 was full of promise, but it took a hard turn that no one expected. Instead of making music that reflected on the depression that set in during lockdown, Dentist decided to work on an album that would inspire them and their listeners to hang in there and look forward to better times ahead. Dentist’s 4th album was released in September 2022 via Cleopatra Records. Goldmine Magazine boasted, “intense power-pop excitement.” New Noise Magazine vowed, “their strongest album yet.” The Punk Site declared, “easily this trio’s most accomplished, catchy and engaging album to date.” Glide Magazine added, “all sorts of ’90s power-pop vibes.” In addition, their most recent single “New Dress” was added to Spotify-curated playlist Fresh Finds: Rock. In October, the song “Spilled Coffee” was licensed by Hulu for their new show Power Trip. In September 2022, Dentist performed at Sea Hear Now Festival on the beach in New Jersey along with Green Day, Stevie Nicks, Boy George & Culture Club, My Morning Jacket, Gary Clark Jr. and others. In 2023, they plan to tour, including a West Coast run in the Spring.