MusicRex/Denver

at Lions Lair August 3, 2007

by Mark Tatum

Last night I could have gone to see Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams and Devotchka at Red Rocks, but instead I decided to see a band that I have been listening to more and more lately. The Dollyrots are a pop-punk band from LA who are on Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records label. They play pop songs in a punk style that I like so much.

The Dollyrots new album “Because I’m Awesome” came out earlier this year and they have been touring non-stop, passing through Colorado at least three times in the past few months, including a stop with the Warped Tour. Unfortunately I missed all those previous shows and I wanted to make sure I saw them this time around at Lion’s Lair, a small bar in Denver.

One of the questions I have had in my mind is whether the Dollyrots are just another jaded and sarcastic punk band from California or are they a more positive pop band powered by punk guitar riffs? Social Distortion or the Go-Go’s?

They started with “My Best Friend’s Hot” and it was obvious they were here to make new friends, not start fights. One smile from the bright face of lead singer and bass player Kelly Ogden answered that question.

Guitarist Luis Cabezas and drummer Chris Black supplied a steady stream of classic punk riffs while Kelly happily sang a slew of their best songs, including “17, “A Desperate SOS,” “Out of L.A.,” “Jackie Chan,” “Wreckage,” “Kick Me to the Curb,” ond their big single “Because I’m Awesome” which has received some radio play this year.

Kelly is so comfortable playing bass, an important part of their punk-based songs, that it often seemed as if somebody else was playing it for her while she poured all of her attention into singing and connecting with the crowd.

Most Dollyrot songs encourage sing-alongs. They are easy to learn and fun. They encouraged this by inviting several members of the audience to come on stage and sing the chorus of one song (although I can’t remember which song it was!).

Playing in a small venue on short notice and few fans in attendance, they could have just walked through their performance. But instead they were there to make new fans and connect with those who did make it. They have some really good songs and the mood-altering presence of Kelly, who could make any bad day disappear with her enthusiasm. They also have a supportive label that is a perfect match. It is likely they will catch on soon with a much larger audience, so go to see them now while you have a chance to experience them in small venues.