review by Tracey Lindeman-Jarvis

Having only discovered the Dresden Dolls on a springtime trip to New England, I thought they were my little secret. As I entered the Main Room, Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione were clumsily yet gleefully waltzing, showing off for the video camera that would soon encapsulate their entire night. I imagined the night would be an intimate affair, with a sparse gathering of people in the know politely sitting and listening to some of the most original music this century has to offer. Little did I know the band had recently released a track, “Girl Anachronism,” which had quickly gained the attention of many Montreal hipsters.

As people began filling up the room, it seemed there was not a symmetrical haircut in sight. An eclectic assortment of fans squeezed into the tiny venue, from psychobillies, to punks, to trendoids and everyone in between. It has been said that the Dolls encourage their audience members to dress up, and some individuals were happy to oblige. Most, however, remained in their jeans and t-shirt.

The most important part of the night was not necessarily a musical act, however. Two members of Cirque Eloize began the night with, among other things, an interpretive dance. Combining theatrics with dance and circus antics, they insisted the crowd move back twenty feet to allow space for their performance. After fifteen minutes or so, Shoot The Moon took the stage. Creating a relaxed atmosphere with their brand of quasi lounge music, the six-piece ensemble drew the attention of the crowd without being imposing or demanding.

After playing for roughly a half hour, they left the stage and the two members of Cirque Eloize returned once again, this time with what looked like an oversized metal hula-hoop. Taking turns, the circus company members first tamed the Cyr Wheel and then stood within it, spinning around at dizzying speeds.

Finally, Palmer and Viglione informally took the stage, settling down behind their respective keyboard and drum kit. Though a good portion of the songs they played were off of their self-titled album, the Dolls brought new life to their set by infusing their performance with some macabre cabaret theatrics. They humbly addressed the crowd, even taking a request for “Bad Habit” from an audience member.

In all honesty, I must say that I had never before attended such a well-executed show before, which is saying a lot considering I go to an average of forty shows a year. Though the Dresden Dolls’ style of music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they appeal to a very wide range of people, from the punk purists to the teenyboppers. Some may think being only two in a band is a handicap; some instinctively compare the Dresden Dolls to the White Stripes. However, the Dolls make the most of their union in creating truly unique and innovative music in cookie-cutter times- a true anachronism.

Visit them at www.dresdendolls.com