Review and Photos by Samantha Witt
On April 22nd, the Seattle music scene was alive and kicking for “An Evening with Dawes” as the band brought their electrifying energy to the sold-out Neptune Theatre. The crowd was filled with excitement and anticipation for the evening's performance as they filed into the opulent and historical auditorium from the pouring Seattle drizzle.
Dawes is an indie-rock group that formed in 2009 and has released six studio albums since then. Their music style is often described as a mix of folk-rock, country-rock, and classic rock with influences from various jam bands. The band's live performances are known for their high energy and tight musicianship, making them a must-see for any fan of live music. We spoke with a couple in the front row who were on vacation from Boston and said this was their 60th time seeing the band perform live.
Frontman Taylor Goldsmith, recently announced the upcoming departure of Dawes’ bassist, Wylie Gelber. This is a huge loss for the band and their fans, who have been enjoying sold-out concerts for years. The news of Gelber's departure has left many fans wondering what will become of Dawes in the future. This was a wonderful opportunity to see them one last time with the current lineup before they part ways.
The band went on early at 8pm in Jackson Browne style, with no opener. After opening strong with “Ghost,” Goldsmith said hello to the crowd and mentioned two fun facts: the crew had never sold out a show in Seattle before and it was their first time gracing the stage of the Neptune. The band then moved right into “Who” and “Fire Away.” Dawes delivered a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. From their classic rock songs to their jam band style improvisations, it was an unforgettable night for all who attended.
The band played a mix of fan favorites such as “Time Spent” as well as some new material from their latest album, Misadventures of Doomscroller. The band had an impressive energy throughout the night, with each song being played with passion and precision. There were moments of quiet reflection when Goldsmith sang slower numbers like "Time Flies Either Way” and were also able to engage with the audience in between songs, creating a unique atmosphere within the venue.
The sound quality of both instruments and vocals were spot on throughout the evening; it was obvious that they had put in a lot of effort to make sure everything sounded perfect for this special night. By the end of the show, everyone had been thoroughly entertained by an amazing evening of music from Dawes as they closed with “When my Time Comes” and finally “All your Favorite Bands.”
Dawes tour continues on for dates in California before heading back east for a run.
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