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DAWES IN CONCERT:
Folk-rockers Dawes have picked up the mantle laid down by elite rock and roll storytellers like Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Frontman Taylor Goldsmith forges his own legend with his powerful vocals, poetic lyrics, and passionate songwriting. The rest of the band fleshes out his masterpieces, starting with the propulsive drumming and falsetto backing vocals of brother Griffin Goldsmith. Tay Strathairn throws in elegiac keyboard flourishes, while bassist Wylie Gerber drops in smooth melodies on the low end. Ticket buyers will love the nods to classic rock, country, and folk, even as Dawes brings their own contemporary flare to stages across North America.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
The roots of Los Angeles folk-rockers Dawes lie in the post-punk band Simon Dawes, the high school project of vocalists/guitarists Taylor Goldsmith and Blake Mills. The group grew to include Wylie Gelber on bass and Taylor’s brother Griffin on drums, though Mills left shortly after their 2006 debut Carnivore. As the sole voice and songwriter in the band, Goldsmith regrouped and added keyboardist Alex Casnoff. Rechristened as Dawes, the group began to explore a more folk-oriented sound with their 2009 debut North Hills, which was praised by critics for its unique and refreshing blend of familiar folk elements. The band made their national television debut on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson the following year before kicking off a co-headlining tour with Blitzen Trapper. Before the release of their 2013 album Stories Don’t End, Tay Strathairn replaced Casnoff on keys and added an even more dynamic sound to the group’s roster. In 2015 Dawes issued their fourth album All Your Favorite Bands, an acclaimed release that has cemented Dawes as a group to watch for both their stellar recorded output and their passionate live performances.
This band is true musicianship. Every time I see them, I'm blown away by their level of talent. Their shows are the most joyous, exciting hours - I recommend seeing them live to anyone who loves great rock.
he natives were getting restless at the Beacon Theater Saturday night. It was almost 8:30, and still no Dawes. This was uncharacteristic of a band that is usually courteous to its fans and start fairly promptly. However, all was forgiven when Goldsmith and co. hit the stage. After the first few songs Taylor Goldsmith, front man and main song writer, apologized, explaining that there was a major technical problem with their monitors. He promised that they would forgo the usual break and play straight through. Refreshingly honest and considerate. Dawes live is somewhat different from Dawes on record- there’s much more of a jam band vibe than their tightly produced albums. Their newest, Misadventures Of Doomscroller, does feature more of a relaxed feeling with extended instrumentals. (It took a while for this to grow on me - one of the things I usually look for in a new Dawes album is stuff I can play - no could solo guitar songs here). Goldsmith and second guitarist Trevor Meaner trade solos and often play twin leads thirds apart reminiscent of the Allman Brothers. Lee Pardini on keyboards is terrific. The band’s secret weapon is Wylie Gelber on bass. His virtuoso playing propels the band, and the Beacon’s wonderful acoustics keeps his contribution from being swallowed up. Taylor’s brother Griffin on drums contributes fabulous harmonies and an occasional lead vocal. The usual lineup was augmented by a percussionist whose name I did not catch The set Dawes played was significantly different from the one they played in Philadelphia two nights before. Even Bruce is playing mostly the same set from night to night. There were two no songs - a humorous solo acoustic “House Parties” featuring a swipe at Kanye (deserved in my mind- sorry Iman!) and a mediocre “What it Takes”. Four of the 7 songs from Doomscroller were played, and all were more exciting and dynamic than on the record. Of course the show concluded with full-throated audience singalongs on “When MyTime Comes” and the brilliant “All Your Favorite Bands”. Unfortunately the usual of encore of “A Little Bit of Everthing” was omitted, presumably because of time pressure caused by the late start. This is one of my favorite bands ( and even my wife’s as well, and she’s tough to please) and they came through with flying colors. The songs have wit and power and they are played beautifully.
Dawes killed it at the Beacon. A few technical difficulties at beginning, but I think they were also live streaming the show, so understandable. Can't wait for the next one! And a great show to send off their bassist Wylie.
The audio was poor,could not hear the words,which with dawes was important.
The concert was great! Lots of energy nonstop for 3 hours!
Dawes is one of my favorite bands and live they are amazing. We have seen them in a small venue like this before and it is the perfect setting for them.
Band came on a half hour late. Audience stood for the whole show and talked incessantly. Dawes has decided to try and be a jam band with long boring jams extending each song. Dawes should get back to its roots and just play the songs.
Dawes is not necessarily a widely known band, but their fan base is widly passionate for their inciteful lyrics, brilliant songwriting, and how tight they are as a band. Do yourself a favor and see them at some point in your life. Well done boys!!
Amazing show! Set list was awesome. Not a bad seat at the beacon. Thank you Dawes!
Dawes did not have an opening band which worked for me, more stage time with the band I paid to see. They then played two sets that included fan favorites and great songs from their new album. Best part was how the players expanded the songs live not just replicating the recordings. Highlight of the night was 2 song acoustic set to start the 2nd set. Unreleased song called "House Party" was excellent and got great crowd reactions.
Dawes is amazing band live. The band was tight. Taylor is fantastic
Dawes was excellent! Love their blend rocking guitar rifts mixed with thoughtful lyrics and gifted melodies.
Had no idea Dawes was such a rocking operation. Sometimes reminded me of Springsteen, sometimes the Allman Bros, sometimes the Dead. And the Filmore Philly is a great venue. Excellent show all around!
Dawes is not only a great live band, with displays of unmatched musicianship they are poets that write lyrics that make you think and reflect on life during these times! Taylor’s voice is perfection and their stage presence is lively! Highly recommend and never miss a show in Philly!
While i’ve been binging the new album, I didn’t know much of their back catalogue beyond 4-5 songs, and did not have an impression of them as a live act. They were amazing - fantastic songs, amazing musicians, great interplay between the band members. Taylor is a fantastic front man - really engaged with the crowd. Haven’t been able to listen to anything else since the show. Thanks so much, guys!
They played 20 songs and nearly 3 hours of a show. I couldn't be any happier with the night. Most songs were extended and they just jammed.
Seeing Dawes at the Warner was mesmerizing. The theatre acoustics were a little loud for the amps, but besides the noise level it sounded fantastic. The band played with their souls and gave a fantastic performance. The new tracks from Doomscroller had an electric energy. We would love to see Dawes again, we are sad the phenomenal bassist Wylie is moving on to other things but I'm sure the band will stay groovy.
I’ve seen Dawes multiple times, this was their best concert yet, great songs, great musicianship, awesome set list, the best!
Dawes is such a great rock and roll band and Thalia Hall is one of my favorite venues in Chicago. The sound is great and it is an intimate venue.
I was glad to see them once again and perhaps some bittersweetness for knowing it is Wylie's last tour but it sure was a great show, two solid sets that came in beautiful waves!
