Here are the Dresden Dolls sharing the stage with their two opening acts doing a cover of the Beastie Boys' “Fight for Your Right.”
Before last night, I liked the Dresden Dolls. Their album Yes, Virginia… was certainly a surprise hit on my personal list for 2006. Their take on Cabaret-style music definitely got my attention and it made me pursue more material. How I got into them, I’ll blather on about later.
After their concert last night, I was definitely impressed and they were automatically placed on my Must-See List whenever they’re in Austin. Certainly one of the best performances of the year so poor Ladytron and Rilo Kiley have a hard act to follow (seeing them on June 6 and 16 respectively).
I received permission to photograph this. She must really like Labyrinth
Most of the audience was equally entertaining since their diehard fans dress up in costumes reminiscent of the movie Cabaret with numerous Goth flourishes from the local Hot Topic. There’s even a more dedicated following called the Dresden Dolls Brigade. These people usually tag along the tour route and perform before the shows. The two who I met were gracious enough to let me take a couple movies of their routines (I hope to post them later but it grew dark so I will see what kinds of effects iMovie can offer).
They came all the way from New York to entertain the crowd.
Two bands opened. One was from Austin. They were OK. I had never heard of them but I will have to see what the Austin Chronicle has on file for past appearances such as where they tend to play. Smoosh was the touring opener, a trio of teenage girls with a surprising amount of potential. If they could cover the Eels’ song “Flyswatter” and make me interested in giving the source another listen, then Smoosh is a band I look forward to hearing from soon, especially when the new album appears. (I found details about them on AllMusic.com; the drummer was trained by Death Cab for Cutie’s drummer.)
Meanwhile, the Dresden Dolls had one of the best pre-show “mix tapes” I’ve caught in a while. In many ways, it was a quick tutorial of their influences: Adam Ant, Kiss, Journey, Kaiser Chiefs and (obviously) Berlin-period David Bowie. When they hit the stage, it was an event too. Dressed as Gestapo-like agents in trench coats (without the Nazi regalia) and domino masks, Brian and Amanda marched to their respective spots with “Imperial March” playing. Then they broke into a number which I think is their theme song. Wisely, they shed the costumes for more comfortable attire (it was still over 85 F despite the darkness). I didn’t recognize any tunes from Yes, Virginia… but they made me a fan of “Coin-Operated Boy” from a previous album. They Might be Giants are so tight, those guys can turn on a dime but the Dresden Dolls demonstrated their ability to imitate a skipping record, which is part of “Coin.” They did it without making it sound forced or contrived. There was another element during the bridge involving two stage hands yet it’s not appropriate to explain in front of children. If you must know, send an e-mail.
Yours truly getting his face time with Amanda and Brian.
Afterwards, Amanda and Brian were generous with their time to grant autographs. I think Austin being the end of the tour helped in such a decision. They were really nice. I let them know I got into their music through the High School Reunion album from 2005 which featured them covering “Pretty in Pink.” Amanda said it was the first time she heard that plus she’s a big fan of the movie. Brian sadly told me they were heading home right away and they wouldn’t get to recuperate in Austin. Both signed my copy of the new No, Virginia… too. Even though it’s a collection of B-sides, I think big things will be coming the duo’s way in the near future. Amanda also has a solo record out this Fall which received a big hand from another famous piano-playing singer/songwriter, Ben Folds.