By: Jen Paulson
 Dander at Ralph's Corner Bar, Moorhead - Photo by David de Young (click for full-sized version) |
Members: Shane Flanery - vocals and guitar Jen Moulton - bass Pete Boulger - drums Official website: http://www.dander.net |
Before any of the bands even arrived at in Moorhead, I was wandering around Ralph’s like a lost person, walking through the bar listening to the hum of the television and the conversation of the regulars, into the seemingly abandoned “Tiki Room” with its dark ages jukebox whose music selection paled in comparison to its main area counterpart. Eventually I found my way to the stage area, lit only by the gloomy, state line daylight and where my eyes surveyed the outdated show posters that covered its wood-paneled walls. Just three years ago, even The White Stripes, a band who are on the cover of almost every music magazine right now, not to mention publications outside the format, played at Ralph’s. (I have a hard time envisioning Meg White deciding which unisex bathroom to use.)
I’d planned to do a write-up of the Dander show at Lee’s Liquor Lounge back in the latter part of April, but unfortunately I’d missed that one. Dander’s format of lead guitarist as vocalist, bassist as backup ammo and seemingly quiet, yet ass-kicking drummer has always been something I’ve enjoyed. But in saying that I don’t mean that Dander is any sort of stereotype. Shane the Pain (Shane Flanery) sings with a bratty, almost Joe Cocker-esque bravado while Jenna Side (Jen Moulton) rocks the stoic-yet-hot bassist chick vibe and almost eerily resembling Siouxie Sioux. And behind the drum set, you have Pete Rex (Pete Boulger), an obvious Marc Bolan fan and inconspicuous drum monster. The music that they play is the potent, plain and simple, guts of rock and roll that is essential for human survival.
The evening’s music included a collective roster of Plasma Entertainment bands. Dander was the top-of-the-line luncheon meat in a Plasma sandwich that also included a delicious, yet feedback-riddled set (unintentional) by Friends Like These and closed with the almost so satisfying it could be considered gluttonous rock stylings of The Rakes. I was worried that the sound problems that FLT had would follow over to Dander’s performance, but much to my surprise, the only feedback that they had was in the last moments of their time slot and on purpose.
Dander played a solid, fifteen-song set that also included items off of their first album, “Titty Bar Mitzvah” (1999) that I had never heard before, (and if someone from Danderland could explain to me what the title means, it would be greatly appreciated.) There were still more tracks that I think we’ll have to hear off of their upcoming album, “Same Sex Crush.” Having recently acquired their second release, “City of Flakes”, my first feeling of affection for this band was at the after-party for the Plasma Entertainment showcase on May 3rd when they played a cover of the Human League song, “Don’t You Want Me.” They also brought this one to Moorhead, and theirs is always a fresh, electric interpretation of this 80’s classic. I was only disheartened that they didn’t play my favorite track off their sophomore effort, “On You.” What a lot of bands don’t know is that their songs get me through the often-difficult workday (boo-hoo) and this is one of those songs.
Location Info:
Ralph's Corner Bar
Artist Info: Dander
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