Loose lineups, tight arrangements, and an impeccable aptitude for simple, punchy pop hooks have defined Doc Robinson’s recent, robust catalog of “backyard BBQ breakup music.” In 2016, Nick D’Andrea and Jon Elliott emptied their backpack full of soulful influences and stitched the band together as a melding of their two favorite artists (Smokey Robinson + Dr. Dog), enlisting a rotation of Columbus’s finest R&B players as All-Star bedrock. Now, after four records in two years, as well as a long stint supporting Ohio upstarts CAAMP, Doc shifts into a new era for the young, accomplished band after D’Andrea’s amicable exit to pursue his talents solo. Now, Elliott slips into the Smokey role, guiding the band into a new era, where the loss of D’Andrea is softened by the treasure trove of feel-good hits left in the pair’s wake. No doubt Doc will evolve and shift shapes—going with the flow is kind of this project in a nutshell—and as they find their new voice in 2021, they’re the ideal band to bring the backyard vibes back.