A last-minute replacement for The Shins' James Mercer, Dr. Dog kicked off Thursday's Nike-sponsored, and precariously-named "Bandz in the Hood" lineup at the Wonder Ballroom. The five-piece outfit, led by guitarist Scott McMicken and co-lead singer and bassist Toby Leaman, set the tone for another night-long music extravaganza, mobilizing the crowd (quite literally) with their own blend of bluesy psychedelica and dreamy, Beach Boys-influenced harmonies. Ranging from those candy-coated oohs and aahs to raspy, whiskey-soaked growls, Leaman and McMicken's vocals kept the set fresh, while fellow bandmates provided an energized, and remarkably tight, backdrop for a not-to-be-missed live set. Despite lukewarm album reviews, on stage, Dr. Dog's upbeat rhythms and ska-inspired moves summon the most obstinate standpat to get-up-and dance (and bounce and bob).
(Above: Dr. Dog's McMiken)
Headlining the show, Portland-based duo The Helio Sequence put on an equally mesmerizing performance, delivering a hypnotic (and unsurprisingly flawless) set of reverb-drenched electro-pop. A year since the band last played here in their hometown, audience reception was at its peak in the Wonder, particularly during an encore acoustic performance of "Tomorrow Never Knows." Throughout the set, singer/ guitarist Brandon Summers and drummer Benjamin Weikel proved again and again that two can sound as good as four, or better. While laptop loops and shimmering, synth-laced riffs created a soundscape at once both dense and airy, Summers' newly-recharged voice was at its most winsome and lovely, and Weikel's drumming-- well, that was just phenomenal to listen to, and to watch.
(Above: The Helio Sequence's Summers)
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