De Novo Dahl
Words: Julia Stewart
Photo: Michael Spadoni

Appeared:
October 20, 2007
State Theatre, St. Petersburg

It was much to my surprise when walking into St. Pete’s own State Theatre to find the place looking like a ghost town.  As I made my way in, Nashville’s De Novo Dahl took the stage clad in sequined, pastel tuxedos adorned with everything from spiders to cobras. The costumes were quite simply, fabulous. The eclectic psyche-pop fivesome, along with Bedouin Soundclash, were the opening acts for Hot Hot Heat that night.

Once inside I found a nice little bubble next to the PA equipment and posted up for the night. I was already a few drinks deep so some dancing room was clutch. De Novo in their marvelous suits opened with the title track off their sophomore EP, Shout.  The set was relatively short, but it was a funk-filled half hour. They have been known to throw some pretty wild shows with everything from eclectic, beach-themed performances, to passing out spaghetti dinners pre-show.   This set was somewhat tame for their reputation, but they were definitely on it.

The highlight of the night was their performance of “The Funk,” from the Shout EP. “The Funk” with its Super Mario Brothers riff and catchy hooks is a rollicking good time. They’re definitely worth checking out on their next tour through Florida, just don’t forget to bring a good pair of dancing shoes.