When Dogs Get Doctorates and Children Go Wild

Apr 7

Written By admin

By Jonathan Braude & Sara Frank

Soaking wet, we ran from the pouring rain into the baroque Buckhead Theater. Excitement flowed through the air as the eclectic crowd swayed to Wild Child ’s entrancing set. The audience members praised Kelsey Wilson’s unique voice accompanied by her violin and jammed with Alexander Beggins, rocking his baritone ukulele.

“Shout if you feel good! Shout if you smell good! Shout if you look good! Should if you make love good!"

The indie pop band, originally from Texas, engaged the crowd with a lot of audience participation and played through some of the audience’s favorite songs included “Pillow Talk” and “Silly Things.” Their folky sound prepared the crowd for the explosive act to come.Looking around the theater, which opened in the 1930’s, it became clear that this was not a typical concert crowd. The audience ranged between the ages of about 17 to 70. Young couples, fathers and sons, and quirky friend groups, these were the fans that had been following the artists for many years and were anxiously waiting to listen to true musical talent.Finally, the lights dimmed and the crowd inched forward. With a kick of the drum and a flash of light, Dr. Dog captivated the audience with their nostalgic 60’s aura. They rocked through a range of hits from both their older albums and newly released Psychedelic Swamp. An iteration of the cover art for Psychedelic Swamp remained visible behind the players’ black and orange beanies. Occasionally, black light shined on the stage, making solely the artists glow. The low-tech and pure looking lighting equipment appropriately set the scene for the band’s blues rock-inspired sound.After the lights dimmed, the crowd patiently cheered until Dr. Dog appeared back on stage for another half hour set. The audience revved up and sang loudly and passionately to different songs from Dr. Dog’s album B-Room and Be the Void:

Oh Nellie, oh Nellie, oh Nellie, yeah/Freedom from love/Freedom from the heartache/What does it take to be lonesome?/Nothing at all

The American rock band from Pennsylvania harmonized with both the audience and each other. Synchronized and energetic, the band jumped around to the beats of their indie and psychedelic rock selection. The crowd went wild as Dr. Dog focused on their favorite music, avoiding the overly hyped tracks such as “The Breeze” and their famed cover of Architecture in Helsinki’s “Heart it Races.” While these songs were certainty missed, everyone felt undeniably satisfied with their music selection.Once the music ceased and Dr. Dog exited the stage, the crowd, hesitant to leave, finally made their way out of the theater and into the clear night sky. Two by two, they hoped in UberPools and carpooled home with strangers, bonding over the amazing show they experienced together.