DOROTHY w/ JOYOUS WOLF & CLASSLESS ACT
@ VARSITY THEATER, MINNEAPOLIS (MN)
MAY 2, 2022
Classless Act, A five-piece from LA kicked off the night with their flavour of high energy rock that is similar to the likes of The Hives, Audiovent and The Strokes. Clear driving vocals backed by high tempo instrumentation impressed many of the folks in attendance as the crowd filled the floor and were almost instantly giving along with Classless Act’s opening set. They played six original songs, then a cover of Guns ‘N Roses “Civil War” and ended with another original, “Classless Act”. Minor issues were easily overcome and the only thing that could have made Classless Act’s performance any better would have been more stage space.
Joyous Wolf’s frontman, Nick Reese, energetically spent little time in one spot with his acrobatics and James Brown-esque footwork. From gospel-type hand gestures and headbanging, to full blown David Lee Roth jump splits, Reese entertained and engaged every chance he got. The remaining members seemed a bit stoic and focused on their craft, which for such a small performance space was probably a good thing, giving Reese the run of the stage. Joyous Wolf’s sound is a blend of soulful southern groove rock and psychedelic rock with some elements of modern rock and Motown sprinkled in. This four-piece hails from Orange County, CA, and has been steadily producing new music and touring. Reese split the crowd and joined the concertgoers on their side of the barricade during one of the final songs. Joyous Wolf ended their set with “Mother Rebel” and a fun call and response with the crowd, setting the stage for the night’s headliner.
GIFTS FROM THE HOLY GHOST ALBUM REVIEW
Dorothy, a four-piece fronted by namesake Dorothy Martin, emerged to cheers and applause. Midway through the set, the band absolutely nailed a cover of “Sweet Dreams” by The Eurythmics and followed it with the hit single “Rest in Peace”. Martin knows how to work the peaks and valleys of each of their songs and utilized that knowledge and experience to enchant the crowd from the very first note. Afterwards, they played an instrumental portion without Martin and a smaller instrumental break later in the set.
Dorothy seems to have a loyal following and if the band can continue to write hits and enchant the crowds as they did tonight, they have the potential to have a successful career performing music.
(Photography by Scott Cornell)
Dorothy Photos
Joyous Wolf Photos
Classless Act Photos
Dorothy Links
Joyous Wolf Links
Classless Act Links
