Dollyrots live at Atlas Brew Works review: Even the sound mix was charming

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As a seasoned gamer and avid concert-goer, I can attest that Dollyrots shows have evolved significantly over the years. Before Kelly Ogden started hosting her popular morning show on Little Steven’s Underground Garage, Dollyrots audiences were primarily made up of young punk rock enthusiasts, ready to let loose and dance like maniacs for hours on end. However, with the success of their radio show (produced by Kelly’s husband and guitarist Luis Cabezas), the band now attracts a more mature crowd. Don’t get me wrong; we still want to dance, but our knees and backs may not be as cooperative as they used to be.

Before 2019, Dollyrots concerts had a distinct vibe. The crowd was primarily made up of young people, including teens and twentysomethings, who enjoyed letting loose to some lively pop-punk tunes for an hour or two. As one Dollyrots song puts it, they would dance “like maniacs.” However, things changed when singer/bassist Kelly Ogden started hosting her widely-loved morning show on Little Steven’s Underground Garage. While the shows may not have altered significantly, their audience demographics certainly did.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to witness the growing popularity of her radio show, which she produces alongside her talented husband and guitarist Luis Cabezas. The band’s fanbase now includes a more mature demographic. While they may still crave the rhythm and groove to dance, this older crowd and I aren’t immune to the ravages of time; we might have iffy knees or a touch of lumbago, reminding us of our shared human experiences.

At Atlas Brew Works in Washington DC on Wednesday evening, the intensity of Kelly, Luis, and drummer Simon Hancock’s performance left a profound impact on me. They played an impressive 14 songs within an hour, keeping the crowd, including myself, thoroughly entertained. As I savored the final encore, their popular hit “Because I’m Awesome,” a young man nearby couldn’t contain his energy. His lively dance moves, reminiscent of a hyperactive Mac McClung, added to the invigorating atmosphere of the concert.

Dollyrots live at Atlas Brew Works review

I think we both had fun.

A Dollyrots concert is all about fun and enjoyment. The playful interplay between Kelly and Luis on stage, combined with an endless supply of brief, irresistibly catchy songs, ensures a fantastic experience for the audience. Having completed their annual East Coast summer tour, the band is now heading back to their base in Florida.

Last week, as a gamer, I found myself in Baltimore, just a stone’s throw away. Before continuing our journey to New England, we decided to explore the DC metro area once more. We made a pit stop at Atlas Brew Works, an exciting new brewery. The unique thing about this place is that the performance space is actually located in the same room where they brew their beer!

“Kelly declared, ‘We’ll all heat up the place together,’ as they confidently stepped onto the stage. And true enough, the atmosphere was scorching. Yet, this seemingly uncomfortable condition didn’t deter anyone from enjoying their performance. The crowd went wild as they played “Everything” from the 2019 pop-punk sensation, Daydream Explosition by Dollyrots. Afterward, they treated us to “My Best Friend’s Hot,” a fan-favorite track from their successful 2007 album that has kept Kelly and Luis riding the wave of popularity for over a decade.”

During the performance, they brought back several beloved songs from the past. Among these were “Because I’m Awesome” and their rendition of “Brand New Key,” which showcased Kelly’s distinctive vocal style that blended Disney magic with Riot Grrl edge. Additionally, they played other classic hits such as “Twist Me to the Left” and “Satellite.” These timeless tracks were mixed with newer releases like “Night Owl,” “Alligator,” and their newest single “Wrapped in Sunshine,” providing a musical journey spanning almost twenty years of catchy tunes.

At a Dollyrots concert, “Jackie Chan” from their 2004 debut album is a crowd favorite. In more recent times, this song has taken on new meaning as Kelly and Luis’ children, River and Daisy, have joined them on tour. Over the past five years or so, these kids have been traveling with their parents as much as possible. When they first began, Daisy, around three years old, would shyly hide behind her mother when she appeared on stage. Now, at eight years old, she confidently sits behind the drum kit, providing a short break for Simon.

As a fan, I’ve always admired River’s ease in front of a crowd since he was just five years old. Now, with the microphone in his hand, he shares some jokes and demonstrates his yo-yo skills. Daisy, my trusted sidekick, adds rhythm to our act with well-placed rim shots for the jokes. Our chemistry is like that of a loving parent-child duo. For a few delightful minutes, we entertain the crowd before the grown-ups return to complete “Jackie Chan.” However, River and I remain on stage, continuing to captivate with more yo-yo tricks and an enchanting twin drummer rhythm.

During Wednesday’s performance, aside from the heat, there was an issue with the sound mix that hindered Kelly’s vocals from shining through. The three accompanying instruments were distinctly audible, but on certain softer songs like “I Just Wanna Play Dead,” Kelly’s voice became almost indistinguishable. This can be frustrating at times, yet it also adds to the Dollyrots’ unique charm as a band.

Last week at a concert in Cambridge, the band members attempted to keep in touch with their children who were still in Florida. However, an unexpected crisis concerning their family pet disrupted their focus. Kelly momentarily stepped offstage to compose herself, later returning with renewed energy.

An authentic rock family duo, consisting of Kelly and Luis, shares their unique quirks and imperfections with their audience, creating a strong connection with their fans. This vulnerability, combined with their exceptional music, makes the Dollyrots endearing, even if at times it seems unintentional.

Soraia, a five-piece band based in Philadelphia, has been contributing to this tour. They are part of Little Steven’s esteemed Wicked Cool Records label. Their unique sound can be described as a blend of punk and blues, with Travis Smith’s bass providing the foundation and ZouZou Mansour’s powerful vocals delivering a fusion of Joan Jett-inspired hard rock and Janis Joplin-infused blues.

The outcome was striking: Curse Words, a local band from DC, kicked off the Wednesday performance with an energized set, playing nine songs in just over twenty-five minutes. Each of the three bands brought their A-game, mirroring the intensity and heat of the venue itself.

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2024-07-25 18:00