LIVE REVIEW: Cuckoo Chaos and The Dodos @ Sushi Art 11/6

If San Diego indie music lovers weren’t thankful for a non-profit organization called Sezio, they certainly were after the Four Day Weekend. The fest showcased eight bands over four nights at a reasonable price in a downtown warehouse that was transformed into a circus-like carnival atmosphere.

I made it out for Saturday’s show with Cuckoo Chaos and The Dodos. The mood was great, like hanging out with an extended music loving family. There was none of the usual pretentiousness you may find in your typical downtown San Diego locale on a Saturday eve. For this particular night, the organizers decided to let more people in by doing away with the couches that had provided seating for the first couple of shows. They were pushed against the walls still giving somewhat of that cozy living room within a circus feel. The downside for me was the difficulty seeing the bands with everyone standing, as the stage was only inches off the ground. Luckily, the crowd was friendly enough to get through for a closer look.

Cuckoo Chaos, a recent San Diego Music Award Winner for Best Alternative Band, took the stage first. Bursting with energy, this 5 piece was really fun, and the crowd was all over these guys. People were dancing, jumping around, and having a good time.

The Dodos closed out the night. Out of San Francisco, they played as a two piece for the evening. Logan Kroeber showcased his unique drumming style, playing often on the rims with a tambourine taped to his shoe. Meric Long was on vocals and guitar. Keaton Snyder, who has joined them onstage, was not with them for this performance. The pair played a dynamic set filling the warehouse with so much life. The crowd was wild for them.

While the Four Day Weekend was successful for Sezio, it was the everyday music fan that truly benefited. The event gave the opportunity for those young and old to keep their music loving juices flowing, while learning about new bands or catching familiar songs in a unique and positive setting. An event like this is a gift, and really what it’s all about.

photos by Ashley Dunton (Cuckoo Chaos first, then Dodos)