A cool autumn night in Pittsburgh set the perfect backdrop for Dexter and The Moonrocks as they brought their Eastern Space Grunge tour to Stage AE. With their recent EP, Western Space Grunge, making waves in the indie rock scene, the band had gained a reputation for their genre-bending sound, angst-filled melodies, and quirky stage antics. Being the day after Halloween, there were several costumed concert-goers, adding to the whimsy of the night. Anticipation buzzed through the packed venue as the lights dimmed, signaling a night of unexpected delights.
The night’s opener, Red Leather, kicked things off with spirited and emotional country-rock that instantly captured the crowd’s attention, especially with his mysterious appearance. The red leather-clad newcomer has gone from busking on Hollywood Boulevard while battling addiction to performing nationwide and recently dropped his debut album, RENO. The set was a whirlwind of tight guitar riffs and vocals dripping with attitude and personal experiences. Red Leather brought a fresh, almost rebellious spirit that seemed to dare anyone not to get on their feet. He wasted no time declaring this one of the best shows he’s ever played, a sentiment reflected in the sheer power of his performance. Promising to return to Pittsburgh soon, Red Leather left the stage to resounding applause – this mysterious stranger is one to watch as this is just his beginning.
Anticipation crackled in the air as Dexter and The Moonrocks took the stage to the triumphant sounds of Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” while decked out in Pirates jerseys, playing right into that deep-rooted Yinzer pride. Right from the start, the band’s irreverent energy was on full display. They rolled into their set, each song blending seamlessly into the next, delivering a mix of classics and new tracks, including a daring premiere of a brand new song called “Ritalin.” “We’ve never played this before, so it’s probably gonna suck,” frontman James Tuffs joked before launching into a catchy song that will surely become a new fan-favourite.
During their set, Tuffs spotted someone in the crowd holding up a Nintendo DS and broke into laughter and promptly brought the outdated tech up on stage. “Make some noise for the Nintendo DS!” he shouted, sparking a chant of “D.S.” that rippled through the venue, turning a quirky moment into a bonding experience for everyone present. This offbeat sense of humor paired with their thunderous, spacey sound perfectly summarizes Dexter and The Moonrocks as a whole.
Midway through their performance, Dexter and The Moonrocks turned the energy up another notch. After several people, including a leprechaun, crowdsurfed throughout the entire pit, Tuffs yelled, “Y’all are some crowdsurfing motherfuckers!” and with that, the crowd responded with a surge of movement, sending even more people riding waves of hands toward the stage. And just when it seemed the show couldn’t get more unconventional, drummer Ryan Fox took a break during a slower song, hopping down from his kit to join the crowd. He returned moments later, much to everyone’s amusement, wearing a banana suit and pounding back into the song as if it were the most natural thing in the world. This unpredictability was the band’s calling card, and the crowd lapped it up, screaming and cheering with unbridled enthusiasm.
The night closed out in true Dexter fashion, with a final blast of guitars, flashing lights, and a last shared moment between the band and their audience. The glow of the stage lights illuminated faces that were a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion, a testament to the electrifying set that had just wrapped up. Dexter and The Moonrocks delivered everything fans could hope for: humor, spontaneity, and a raucous good time that solidified their reputation as masters of their craft. With their seamless blend of showmanship and raw musicality, they left Pittsburgh with the echoes of space-grunge still ringing in the night. Red Leather’s mystique and authenticity paired with Dexter’s unforgettable performance ensured that this was a night that would stay etched in the memory of those who had been lucky enough to be there.
November 1st, 2024
