Talking with Scott McMicken of Dr. Dog before the show was like talking to to an old friend–an old friend with lots of good news. He was stoked to play in Portland again, excited to see everyone dancing, and “put on a good show.” Also, of course, he said the band was very excited to be on this tour in support of their new album Be the Void, released Feb. 7th. You could feel his excitement as he explained the “next level” of the Dr. Dog journey; a bitchin big black tour bus, full on. And if there is any band in this ridiculous free world that didn’t already have a bus to cruise the country in, playing the coolest rock n’ roll this new millennium has seen, that band would have to be Dr. Dog. He commented on eating right, sleeping well, and and even a little “recording corner.”

Keep it up Dr. Dog, you are a building fans in an epic way that we haven’t seen for a while. Getting a very hip Portland crowd to dance and sing along is no small feet. Before you know it, Seattle and L.A. might even be able to shake a leg.

 Also from Philly, openers Purling Hiss and their psychedelic hard-rocking music put on an inspired performance.