When the opening acts were finished up, the four Donnas, Donna A (Brett Anderson - vocals), Donna F (Maya Ford - bass), Donna R (Allison Robertson - guitar), and Donna C (Torry Castellano - drums), took the stage. They mostly performed songs off of their new album, and a few from Turn 21 and Get Skintight, thrown in for good measure.
I'd expected more of an act to jive with the vapid, reckless, teenage characters they'd created in their songs, but there wasn't much of that. Which is good, because, underneath the shtik they've been marketed with, these women are one talented group. I was particularly impressed with Allison Robertson's guitar chops. She owns her instrument, and can shoot out some amazing high-speed solos with the greatest of ease, while slipping in and out of killer rythym sections. For having only one guitarist in the group, they sound big, loud, and powerful.
Also, surprising to me, was the skill and energy of Torry Castellano's drumming. A good drummer is vital to any band that wants to rock out at a high-level, and The Donnas make the cut. She becomes a large furious blur of long hair and drumsticks behind the rest of the band. Most impressive. Maya Ford's bass is also solid live.
The only problem with the performance was the mike levels at the venue, which left Anderson's vocals too low for the overwhelming sounds coming from her bandmates. But that is small complaint, as their set was excellent, their stage presence entertaining, and the overall rockout-level high.
The Donnas are about a third through their current US tour, and if you don't suck, you're bound to enjoy their show immensily.
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