“Fate” by Dr. Dog (Park the Van) - Out now

For a band whose sound is rooted so firmly in the past, Dr. Dog seems more concerned with the present (and future).

From the opening moments of “Fate,” the message is the same: just sit tight — things will get better.

Far from all that overwhelms you now and all in the past that weighs you down, “Fate” is a calming breather; it’s a reminder to slow down, wrapped in retro-rock accoutrements.

And this, of course, is where the whole “Fate” thing comes from.

But singer Scott McMicken said the band didn’t intend on keeping that constant theme. “It just became apparent to us at a point that it was already going on,” McMicken said.

Kind of fateful, right?

But “Fate” is more than just an concept album, flowing naturally from the Philly rockers finely honed throwback sound — indie rock suited up in fine vintage clothing.

They give off a bit of a late-Beatles vibe, but sometimes also smack of Three Dog Night and other ’70s gold. No paths that haven’t been traversed before here, but there are enough diversions to make the trip worthwhile.

McMicken and Toby Leaman — Dr. Dog’s other singer — toss the vocal duties back and forth from song to song, transitioning smoothly from Leaman’s nasally delivery to McMicken’s Steven-Tyler-meets-Paul-McCartney delivery.

The combination conveys that shared feeling of resignation. As a whole, though, the collection of songs is more of a thoughtful response than passive acceptance. Just sit tight, and it’ll come to you.

Download this track now: “Hang On”