Dodgy @ o2 Institute, 23rd February 2019
Rising to fame in the 1990s alternative pop rock band Dodgy have had a career that many musicians dream of. Despite a little break halfway through, Dodgy has continuously released loved records, amassing fans with each release. Still playing a lively touring schedule Dodgy made a pit stop at the O2 Institute where adoring fans sang their hearts out alongside the band.
After a double opener Dodgy sauntered onto the stage bathed in hazy purple lights. With a quiet coolness the handful of band members launched into acoustically tinged ‘Big Brown Moon.’ As the sweet chords from the acoustic guitar broke the silence the harmony of voices filled the room, warming the cool evening. The stripped start slowly grew, morphing into mid tempo acoustic rock pop ‘This is Ours.’ With cinematic quality waves of electric guitar intertwined with acoustic chords, a trio of voices floating admits the sonic exploration.
Dedicated to their friends and family in the audience record ‘Homegrown’ was a massive hit, elated fans screaming along to every word. With a folk rock tinge the song continued to pick up the energy shifting the tempo from a more acoustically tinged start. ‘Staying Out For the Summer’ brought with it the outlaw rock that has come to typify Dodgy’s sound; highlights that sort of London angst, the song was punchy and lively, an ecstatic flurry of sound that left fans out of breath. The energy continued as ‘Melodies Haunt You,’ atmospheric ‘Crossroads’ and psych rock ‘One Day’ slid together.
A love ballad with a rock vibe ‘We Are Together’ brought expansive and elongated vocals, cut by an electric wave the song had a resonating deep sound that lulled fans into a stilled silence. The pause did not last long as retro pop rock ‘Whole Lot Easier’ and ‘Making the Most Of” had fans dancing along, hands swaying wildly along with the beat. The party continued as ‘Waiting For the Day,’ ‘What Have I Done Wrong’ and ‘Grassman’ found fans singing wildly along.
After the expulsion of energy both the band and the fans needed a rest, Dodgy wandered off stage only to return quickly for the encore. Starting with rock pop record ‘High Horse’ and ‘In A Room’ Dodgy rounded out the evening with ‘If You’re Thinking’ and ‘Good Enough.’
Rock heroes, Dodgy are a clearly loved band who no doubt anchored the soundtrack to many lives. At the O2 Institute Dodgy played a rousing set of acoustic pop rock hits, covering their tremendous career in a few short hours.
Reviewer: Kylie McCormick
Photographer: Chris Bowley