Dada at the Whiskey

by Jade
Since Dada's break out album, Puzzle, in the early 90's this three piece rock outfit from LA has criss-crossed the country numerous times and recorded several albums— on both major and indie labels. For Dada's triumphant return to the Whiskey on the Sunset Strip, this power pop trio pulled in fans from all around the world. Crazy Italian girls could be seen dancing wildly next to mid western tourists and old school locals. All were impressed with the fire and ferocity of the band's performance this fine Saturday night.

After enduring a pathetic set from some band that faked earnestness and contrived every rock 'n roll cliché for cheap applause, the Dada boys took the stage late in the evening. Breaking the ice with a sizzling rendition of "Dim," guitarist Michael Gurley shamed the previous act with six string heroics as bassist Joie Calio and drummer Phil Leavitt rocked into an extended jam that pretty much brought down the house.

The set continued to push new renditions of old classic tunes like "Posters," "Playboy In Outerspace," and "Ask The Dust." The music was fluid and epic as it moved across solos from each of the musicians. At times the band slid the jams into melodies from other songs like "Eleanor Rigby," "The Theme from James Bond," and the Stones classic, "Gimme Shelter."

Although a few new tunes were thrown in to spice up the mix one of the highlights of the evening was certainly "Trip with My Dad." Crossed with three part harmonies, rock tight rhythms and Gurley's mind blowing guitar work, fans went off the hook as the band rocked well past midnight.

After a quick break the boys returned for a late night encore that featured "Dorina" and the song that started it all, "Dizz Knee Land." Proving their prowess as songwriters and musicians, Dada's gig at the Whiskey proved that great rock, songwriting and harmonies will always outlast the flash and superficiality of any artist looking to score cheap points without earning any real cred.

Since Dada's break out album, Puzzle, in the early 90's this three piece rock outfit from LA has criss-crossed the country numerous times and recorded several albums— on both major and indie labels. For Dada's triumphant return to the Whiskey on the Sunset Strip, this power pop trio pulled in fans from all around the world. Crazy Italian girls could be seen dancing wildly next to mid western tourists and old school locals. All were impressed with the fire and ferocity of the band's performance this fine Saturday night.

After enduring a pathetic set from some band that faked earnestness and contrived every rock 'n roll cliché for cheap applause, the Dada boys took the stage late in the evening. Breaking the ice with a sizzling rendition of "Dim," guitarist Michael Gurley shamed the previous act with six string heroics as bassist Joie Calio and drummer Phil Leavitt rocked into an extended jam that pretty much brought down the house.

The set continued to push new renditions of old classic tunes like "Posters," "Playboy In Outerspace," and "Ask The Dust." The music was fluid and epic as it moved across solos from each of the musicians. At times the band slid the jams into melodies from other songs like "Eleanor Rigby," "The Theme from James Bond," and the Stones classic, "Gimme Shelter."

Although a few new tunes were thrown in to spice up the mix one of the highlights of the evening was certainly "Trip with My Dad." Crossed with three part harmonies, rock tight rhythms and Gurley's mind blowing guitar work, fans went off the hook as the band rocked well past midnight.

After a quick break the boys returned for a late night encore that featured "Dorina" and the song that started it all, "Dizz Knee Land." Proving their prowess as songwriters and musicians, Dada's gig at the Whiskey proved that great rock, songwriting and harmonies will always outlast the flash and superficiality of any artist looking to score cheap points without earning any real cred.