Dum Dum Girls Live at Paradise Rock Club

The Paradise Rock Club welcomed the Los Angeles-based indie-pop band Dum Dum Girls to the stage Wednesday night. Having formed just three years ago, Dum Dum Girls have already emerged onto the music scene with two records, I Will Be, and their latest release, Only in Dreams.

Complete women-fronted bands are a rare sight, and Dum Dum Girls are among the few currently in the music scene (let’s not forget my beloved Tegan and Sara). Kristen “Dee Dee” Gundred, Jules, Bambi and Sandy took the stage on Wednesday sporting all-black Goth burlesque outfits with a seductive edge. They dove into their set with the fuzzed-out “Always Looking,” and “Bhang Bhang, I’m a Burnout” before pausing for breath and allowing Dee Dee to talk about their new record. While it was only released last month, so many of the songs were still unfamiliar with the audience, Only In Dreams provides a much more polished and mature sound from their previous record, with quick, loose hooks and shy, charming vocals.

Upon first glance of their edgy outfits and pensive looks, I was anticipating a Joan Jett-esque performance, complete with guitar thrashing, stage hopping, and dripping sweat – feminist girl power at its finest. It was actually quite the opposite. The only sign of movement throughout most of the performance was their quick head bobs accompanied by the swift strumming/drumming of their instruments. Whether it was for thanking the crowd for its support or pouring every bit of emotion into her songs, Dee Dee carried herself with poise and remained in complete control throughout the show. Not many musicians can make timid pop songs compelling, but Dee Dee did just that.

The Dum Dum Girls ended the night with a cover of The Smiths’ classic, “There Is A Light,” which has also garnered Internet buzz.

Despite having been around for only three years, the Dum Dum Girls have already paved the way for many up-and-rising lady-fronted bands. Keep an eye on these girls; they’re going places.

Dee Dee of the Dum Dum Girls. | Photo by Marry Pivazian.

 

Photo by Marry Pivazian.

 

Bambi of the Dum Dum Girls. | Photo by Marry Pivazian.

 

Photo by Marry Pivazian.

 

Photo by Marry Pivazian.

 

Photo by Marry Pivazian.

 

Jules of the Dum Dum Girls. | Photo by Marry Pivazian.

 

Open act, Royal Baths. | Photo by Marry Pivazian.

(c)Marry Pivazian photography 2011. All rights reserved.

About Marry Pivazian

Marry is a Los Angeles-native who studies at BU's College of Communication. She has over 30 striped articles of clothing in her closet and enjoys long bike rides along the Charles River while listening to the same records on loop.

View all posts by Marry Pivazian →

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