The Dodos at The Waiting Room, Oct. 6, 2012.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Did the Huskers bite into the draw for Saturday night’s Dodos show at The Waiting Room? Maybe. Probably. There were 70 people tops in the crowd when the band went on stage after 11.

I’m traveling today so I only have time for a brief review…

Maus Haus at The Waiting Room, Oct. 6, 2012.

With a projection system that featured (at times) ’70s animation from Robert Abel (the guy who created those funky old Levi’s and 7up commercials — look him up on YouTube), Maus Haus played modern indie rock that while well performed, didn’t stand out as much as the films they were standing in front of. Two members switched between guitars and keyboards. I kept waiting for something to grab my attention, instead I got lost in the animation.

The Dodos were another story altogether. A drum-and-guitar duo, frontman/guitarist Meric Long played over on-the-fly loops controlled via pedals. I’ve never seen it done quite as well or effortlessly. Fantastic layer upon layer, performed by one of the best guitarists I’ve seen on TWR’s stage. Drummer Logan Kroeber, who apparently usually plays with only a limited kit, had a full setup Saturday night and used every inch of it.

Long has a high, young voice that would be right at home singing Vampire Weekend songs instead of their more intricate, angular indie rock that bordered on post punk. You might even call it “proggy.” I couldn’t tell you what he was singing about, but he sounded good. The band was at its best when Long simply leaned back and fragged his guitar, sending brightly colored sound flares into the crowd. Probably the fullest two-piece I’ve ever heard.  Too bad there were so few people on hand to see it, but I have a feeling it’s going to be this way through the balance of football season.

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It’s a virtual battle of the rock shows tonight. Which will you choose?

Down at Slowdown it’s the return of Beach House. Last time they were here they were nothing less than sonically amazing. Opening is Poor Moon. $20. 8 p.m. start.

Meanwhile, over at The Waiting Room, it’s indie darlings First Aid Kit, whose last album was produced by Mike Mogis and featured a tune with Conor Oberst. Opening is Dylan LeBlanc. $15, 9 p.m. If I were in town, I’d probably go to this one.

Also tonight, a very special show at The Side Door Lounge featuring Simon Joyner and The Ghosts, Noah Sterba and out Brooklyn band Woods. $5, 8:30 p.m. Actually, I’d probably go to this one, too. Hell, go to all three!

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