By: Stacy Schwartz
De Novo Dahl’s website touts them as a cross between The Polyphonic Spree and Arcade Fire. As those are two of my favorite bands of the moment, I was interested to check them out. De Novo Dahl, a band from Nashville, was in town opening for Hot Hot Heat at The Fine Line. With the description I was given, I was a bit confused why these two bands were paired together - but this often happens when managers or labels assemble tours. It can sometimes be anyone who fits into the timeframe and is ready to go.
De Novo Dahl - Photo by Stacy Schwartz
I was skeptical at best during the band’s first few songs. They were sort of catchy, but sort of annoying in the respect that it seemed like they were trying too hard to be that “out-of-the-box” band. Multicolored suits embroidered with everything from cobras to spiderwebs to starfish were the uniform de jour. This, coupled with the way the band didn’t really interact with each other, seemed to be the ungluing of any interest I had in watching them at all. Thank goodness after the first two songs De Novo Dahl heated up a bit. Their new single, “Shout” is a rollicking good time, and the band really seemed to enjoy playing this one. This is also the point where the crowd started to shake for the first time.
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| De Novo Dahl - by Stacy Schwartz |
De Novo Dahl isn’t a bad band, but they’re not great either. I really can’t pinpoint their sound, to be honest. It’s just a big mishmash of pop rock that really wasn’t very stimulating. They attempt to draw on the fun of their outfits and their few bubbly tracks to pull in the audience. However, their lack of energy and interaction between members dulled any attraction I had in going to see them again.
Location Info:
Fine Line Music Café
Artist Info: De Novo Dahl
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