DREAMCAR, the new wave-inspired, totally rockin’ supergroup comprised of AFI’s Davey Havok and Mr. Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont and Adrian Young of No Doubt acclaim, are back. The band released their stunning, self-titled debut album in 2017, toured throughout that year, then quietly disappeared into the night … until now! The band just released their new Dream EP and prepared to make their grand return to the stage at Goldenvoice’s Cruel World festival; then the clouds parted and the music gods announced this special DREAMCAR warmup show at the El Rey.

Naturally, the show sold out and was packed to the gills. No Doubt and AFI have some of the most dedicated fans in all the rock kingdom, plus DREAMCAR’s album was pretty amazing and left a lot of people yearning for them to return over the last seven years, so, it makes sense their fans would gobble up tickets and turn the El Rey into a giant karaoke booth. The moment the band hit the stage and launched into “After I Confessed,” the energy levels inside the venue skyrocketed. DREAMCAR played all their debut album from start to finish. This meant their main single “Kill For Candy” was up next, and you better believe the audience roared with excitement.

Davey Havok’s voice is the perfect fit for DREAMCAR’s 1980’s vibe. Not having to scream or yell as he does in AFI, Havok was free to croon his heart out onstage. Tom Dumont’s guitar effects echoed throughout the building, and the smile on his face was shared by everyone along the barricade in the front row. Tony Kanal was like an acrobat, constantly moving across the stage and laying down those infectious bass grooves that kept the crowd hopping all night. Watching Adrian Young play drums in the flesh, especially in such tight quarters and not a football field away like his recent performance at Coachella, is something else. This man is a demon behind the kit and puts on veritable rock show all his own.

The band’s enthusiasm to be back on stage together rivaled the audience’s appreciation. DREAMCAR’s first show in ages felt less like a rock gig and more like a family reunion. The crowd’s hyped reaction during the saxophone solo on “The Preferred” and the way they seemingly overpowered the band, hijacking the backing vocals on “Show Me Mercy,” proved just how desperately DREAMCAR were missed during their hiatus. The band ended the night playing their new Dream EP as an encore, and it was fantastic hearing their new songs live. Also, their cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream” was a highlight of their 2017 performances, and its inclusion on their new release and reappearance in their setlist was the icing on the cake for what was an already, perfect night.

DREAMCAR