Last week we went to see the American band Dogstar play their first show in Belgium in a sold-out Trix! Keanu Reeves and his bandmates are currently on tour to celebrate the release of their latest album Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, which was released last October after a two-decade long hiatus. Belgian band Ratmosphere had the opportunity to support Dogstar as opening act.
Meet Ratmosphere: Belgian glittery artpop band
The queue outside the venue was long, but we managed to enter the venue 10 minutes before the start of the opening act. Just enough time to grab a drink and secure a place inside alongside a sea of fans. A few minutes later, at 20:00, the lights were dimmed and Ratmosphere came on stage.
Ratmosphere, the opening act from Bruges, seized the opportunity to shine before a packed house. Their performance was a showcase of their debut album Devils Island, which was released earlier this year. Their sound can be described as a combination of gloomy synths, indie rock, and artpop. The set began with a dreamy atmosphere, thanks to the synthesizers, but quickly ramped up as Robin Serruys and Jente Neels let their guitars roar with impressive solos. The band also displayed their versatility with the more subdued ‘Mud,’ before ending on a high note with ‘Nocturnal Animals’, a track that encapsulates the essence of their sound. The band, unknown to many, undoubtedly gained new fans with their dynamic performance. The band bade farewell to the audience to thunderous applause.
Dogstar (Keanu Reeves & co)
The crowd grew denser by the minute as we waited for the main act: Dogstar. The band, which includes members Keanu Reeves on bass, Robert Mailhouse on drums, and Bret Domrose on guitar and vocals, was formed in 1991 and has been active in the nineties. They have not reached significant heights in the music industry but they have a dedicated fanbase, probably thanks in part to Reeves’s fame. Which we clearly noticed during their set: the majority of the audience were fans who had come just to catch a glimpse of the actor.
The band began their set with ‘Blonde‘, ‘Lust‘ and ‘How the Story End‘, followed by lead single ‘Everything Turns Around‘, all from their latest album Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees. The performance of “Dillon Street” was a throwback to the ’90s, complete with a harmonica solo by drummer Robert Mailhouse and simple open chords.
While the band’s performance was enjoyable, it was noted that neither Reeves nor lead singer/guitarist Bret Domrose engaged much with the audience, which may have left some fans wanting more interaction. Nonetheless, the night was a success, with both bands delivering memorable performances that resonated with the crowd.
Dogstar’s recent concert at Trix in Antwerp was a nostalgic trip for fans and a unique opportunity to see Hollywood star Keanu Reeves rocking the bass guitar. After a hiatus of over two decades, the band returned with their Somewhere Between The Power Lines and Palm Trees Tour, showcasing a mix of new material and old favorites.
Setlist: Blonde – Lust – How the Story End – Everything Turns Around – Out Of – Glimmer – Dillon Street – Math – Shards of Rain – Overhang – Sleep – Runway – Marmalade – Breach – Encore – Just Like Heaven (The Cure cover) – Shallow Easy – Lava Lamp – Jackboot