As if the reopening of The Roundouse weren’t
enough (known worldwide for its performances by
the likes of The Who and The Doors), we also get
this entirely off the wall full on theatrical
performance by preeminent Goth duo The Dresden
Dolls. This is full on Dolls as well. The band
is joined by a host of other avant-garde musicians,
performers, and comedienne Margaret Cho, paced
throughout their set at various intervals and
resulting in one of the largest and oddest stage
shows I have ever witnessed.
When you see this on paper it appears that The
Dresden Dolls would actually play only a small
part in this historic night. There is so much
going on that they could easily be overshadowed.
That is definitely not the case, however, which
is a testament to how strong this band really
is. The duo destroys the place with only a piano,
a drum kit, and their powerful voices. I can’t
recall a band in this genre ever been this explosive
or powerful. It’s like Sioxie & the
Banshees on a lot of speed.
At the Roundhouse the Dolls perform a host of
songs from their major label debut as well as
their critically acclaimed indie album. Seeing
them live though sheds new light on them, nearly
every song is more aggressive and intense than
its studio doppelganger. Fans looking for something
new, exciting, and over the top should check this
DVD out. As a matter of fact, if you have wanted
to check out The Dresden Dolls but haven’t
yet, start here. It’s miles in front of
the albums, although they are solid as well. I
just wish I could get the Margaret Cho bit out
of my head. It haunts me.
Key Tracks: “Gravity,” “Girl
Anachronism,” “Backstabber”
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
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