Review by Rachel Jablonski
A crowd of people gather for the same unified reason. A combination of sights, sounds, and smells creates the unique atmosphere. Loud music overpowers any other awareness. There is nothing else like it.
The essence of a band can be fully captured in only one way and that is live. Though senses are stimulated through studio albums, it is not until a band performs uncut that the full effect can be partaken. But if seeing a band in concert isn’t possible what is the next best thing? Watching the band perform on video might work. If even that is unachievable, a live recording will do.
In June 2004 at a club called Fletcher’s in Baltimore, Maryland a band named Dog Fashion Disco performed and lucky for us the cameras were rolling. The result, a DVD termed DFD-Day as well as a live CD entitled The City is Alive Tonight – Live in Baltimore. These recordings portray the band very well demonstrating the high energy, circus-like, heavy fun of a DFD show.
DFD-Day first offers a glimpse into day of show preparations. The camera follows the band around and catches hilarious conversation, misfortune with a gas tank, and a variety of moments revealing the DFD personalities. But most important is the filmed live performance which displays DFD’s handiwork on stage. The viewer is given a solid hint as to what can be expected when DFD is on tour. Paralleling the DVD of course is the recorded CD which adds its own flavor to the outcome of the show. The set is a perfect mix for any DFD fan.
Older tunes such as “Toothless Dream” or “Albino Rhino” to newer features like “Acid Memoirs” or “Love Song for a Witch” will fulfill fans both new and old. The crowd goes wild when “Vertigo Motel,” which the band has not played live for quite awhile, begins. Fullness of sound is heightened by the accompaniment of live horns played by Matt Rippetoe. The production on both the album and DVD is solid with the live feel holding firm the process. The live recordings also allowed the band to improvise on stage and a variety of songs are spruced up for the occasion. “Pink Riots” has an incorporated bridge featuring words from Van Halen’s “Panama.” Yeah, we’re runnin’ a little bit hot tonight. I can barely see the road from the heat comin’ off of it. Ah, you reach down, between my legs, Ease the seat back. She’s blinding, I’m flying, Right behind the rear-view mirror now. Got the feeling, power steering, Pistons popping, ain’t no stopping now! Among other things, the band also pulls off a cover, “Breed,” from “President Reagan’s favorite band,” Nirvana.
With a great mix of material, an energetic performance captured both via audio and visual, Dog Fashion Disco has successfully proven their capabilities live. The next step for the listening/viewing audience is to catch the band on tour.