After waiting to see Dopapod for over a year, I was beyond jazzed to check out their set at The Waiting Room last night. This venue was an ideal spot for the show. The low ceilings created an illusion of a cavern with studio lighting, providing an intimate setting and sonic enclosure. The energy of the small crowd (around 200 or so) was on high. We were all stoked for the show to begin, and a phrase I kept hearing was, "we're at Dopapod right now!" I couldn't help but grin.

Buffalo-based jam band Space Junk kicked off the evening with upbeat dance tunes, an appropriate choice to contrast the (occasionally) heavier sound of Dopapod. They played two extended songs that blended into each other, beginning with "Snowblinds," moving into "Birds of Prey," channeling elements of electronic and funk that set a positive and peaceful tone to the evening.

Around 10:30 Dopapod opened with "Bubble Brain" off their latest album Redivider. Maneuvering through an opening that sounded like we were entering on an interstellar voyage, to a sudden break into a metallic drop, this was a strong choice. I was consistently impressed how well their sound shifted in dynamics, like a quiet, ethereal organ solo by Eli to sudden thud in pressure created by bassist Chuck, notably on "Onionhead" and "French Bowling." Unfortunately their current drummer Fro wasn't able to attend, and they had Scott Zwang hold down the fort. His performance was sharp and on point, especially with having a short window to learn most of their material.

"Trapper Keeper" was one of the highlights, a sizzling opening with lyrics lamenting the magnetic and forceful power of technology. "Can we play a new game/ look inside my trapper keeper" echoes the addictive and click-happy generation, always seeking something higher, newer, instead of taking a kick down the block and feeling the grass with our fingertips. "Trapper keeper" has to be one of the best expressions for a computer-ized object I've heard to date. For the finale they closed with "Vol. 3 #86" that featured more drawn out phrases from each member of the band.

We had the pleasure of singing Rob a happy birthday, and in return he serenaded us with a slick, jazzy tune, featuring his unique voice and wide-range of melody. A truly fantastic way to end the evening! Thank you Rob for letting me snag the setlist:

I:
"Bubble Brain"
"Black & White"
"Psycho"
"Onionhead" > "Turnin' Knobs"
"Give It A Name"
"Bahbi"
"Faba"

II:
"Sonic"
"French Bowling"
"Trapper Keeper"
"Nuggy Jawson"

Finale: "Vol. 3 #86"