Dragonette @ The Echo

October 27, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA

By Wei Shi

Dragonette @ The Echo - October 23, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA - Photos by Wei Shi

With all the personality and attitude in Dragonette's music, they still don't take themselves too seriously and that's a damn good thing. Their show at The Echo last Friday was a complete blast. They started off with an old favorite, "I Get Around," which quickly excited the crowd and got everyone dancing.

Martina Sorbara strutted around the stage while singing a mixture of songs from Galore and their new album Fixin to Thrill. Her husband, Dan Kurtz, rotated between rocking the synth and bass. It's really been a while since I've been dumbstruck by bass live but I was definitely in awe that night. Joel Stouffer provided the drumbeats in front of the bright stage lights while the newest member of the band, Chris Hugget, held down the guitar.

The crowd actually sang along (even to the new songs!) and Dragonette really seemed to enjoy themselves. At one point the audience started chanting, "Martina! Martina!" She laughed and replied, "Shout Dan, Dan!" After finishing their set, they returned for an encore and played, "Get Your Titties Off Of My Things."



Their new album, Fixin to Thrill, maintains the same catchy and danceable style as their debut album, Galore, but manages to show a softer side. The lyrics are introspective without putting the listener to sleep with clichés. In addition to the softer side of this album, Dragonette also throws in songs that can only be described as rough and badass.

Just listen to the difference between the singles "Pick Up the Phone" and "Fixin to Thrill" and you'll immediately know what I’m talking about. The album is a well produced blend of ethereal pop and unapologetic rock. There's also something beautifully untamed and wild in Sorbara's voice; her voice sounds like a combination of Joanna Newsom, Karen O, and Gwen Stefani. In actuality, it's not even fair to compare her vocals to them because it's unique on its own.

Their new album is definitely worth a listen and the crowd at Friday's Los Angeles show seemed to agree.

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