Blog: opbmusic

A last-minute replacement for The Shins' James Mercer, Dr. Dog kicked off Thursday's Nike-sponsored, and precariously-named "Bandz in the Hood" lineup at the Wonder Ballroom. The five-piece outfit, led by guitarist Scott McMicken and co-lead singer and bassist Toby Leaman, set the tone for another night-long music extravaganza, mobilizing the crowd (quite literally) with their own blend of bluesy psychedelica and dreamy, Beach Boys-influenced harmonies. Ranging from those candy-coated oohs and aahs to a raspy, whiskey-soaked growl, Leaman and McMicken's vocals kept the set fresh, while fellow bandmates provided an energized, and remarkably tight, backdrop for a not-to-be-missed live set. [...]