Concert Review: Dirtwire (Cat's Cradle)

Dirtwire
BY MARK DOLEJS

While many folks in the area were watching the Carolina/Duke basketball game Saturday night, we were treated to a rockin’ night at the Cat’s Cradle with Dirtwire.

Dirtwire's Evan Fraser and David Satori
Evan Fraser and David Satori are both highly skilled at their craft. I mean, come on, I lost count after more than a dozen different instruments were played throughout the night. And not just played, it was obvious that both were super comfortable no matter what they were playing.

David Satori
It’s kind of hard to categorize Dirtwire’s music. They call it swamptronica. All I know is that this mix of crazy different instruments, loud bass, and catchy grooves, gave the packed house a hot, sweaty, rave-type atmosphere.

Evan Fraser plays a Bass Station 2 synth thru a talk box while holding a melodica under his arm
Throughout the night, they sprinkled in songs from Pyrochrome, their 2024 release. These songs included “Obokano,” “Hirajoshi,” “Heavy In This World,” and several others.

David Satori uses a bow on his banjo
They started off the night with fan favorites “Gogo,” “You Got To Move,” and “Intertribal.”

Evan Fraser on kamale ngoni
For several songs, Fraser played a West African stringed instrument called a kamale ngoni, made with a gourd for its base. Fraser is able to create wonderful sounds and music from this harp-like instrument.

David Satori on the theremin
Near the end of the show, both musicians left the stage and ended up in the middle of the crowd with their drums, for a short session of drumming and crowd participation.

Evan Fraser on jaw harp
This was followed by two encore songs, “Alone” and “Outlaws.” While the crowd was not ready for the night to be over, it was clear that they were quite worn out from this big dance party.

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MARK DOLEJS

Photography is an avenue that Mark Dolejs uses to learn about the people and places that cross his path. After more than 30 years as a photojournalist, Mark enjoys concert, macro, and roadside photography. Follow Mark on Instagram at @solidrockpix.

Read Mark's posts here.