Dopapod/UV Hippo

Flanked by the churning melodies of guitar and organ, Dopapod’s latest album, Drawn Onward, kicks off with an energetic escape into outer space. The band has carved out good standing in the “livetronica” field, pairing the riffed-out jam band mentality with savvy on the keys and synth. But the band steers clear from any real pigeonholes, favoring musical trips of its own design. Improvisation is the key, clearly, making NYC-based Dopapod’s live shows even more fun. Check out “Black and White” on the latest release to get the frenetic flavor of the band. You can also turn to 2011’s live release, I Saw Dopapod, Evil Was I, for a dose of what’s to come. There will be lights and there will be full-body groovin’ across the floor tonight. (Eric Sandy)