The love child by Angus Stone consisting of psychedelic funk with folky tones known as DOPE LEMON brought their carefree Aussie sound to the Roseland Theater on May 21, 2025. I was first introduced to the band by a friend, recognizing the husky sound of Angus Stone. A name and voice that may sound familiar from the iconic indie folk song Big Jet Plane by the sibling duo, Angus & Julia Stone. Do not be mistaken, DOPE LEMON has a completely different energy– it embodies the energy of the chaotic cousin whose location is usually to be in the ocean or Tokyo on a random Tuesday. A vibe that matches the eclectic energy that Portland is known for.
The venue was packed to the brim with tuned up Millennials. The band matched the crowd as shots were taken and brief conversations with the crowd about where to get a beer after the show were had. There was something so intimate and charming about the silliness the Aussie band brought to the venue.
All jokes aside, DOPE LEMON has easily been one of the top performances I have seen in a very long time. It was truly live entertainment. Usually, I expect indie-surf bands to simply stand around and vibe to their own sound. Not the case, at all, despite their sound being on the more relaxed side of the indie genre there were numerous guitar solos, even some ripping of a harmonica. The talented instrumentalists complimented the rustic folky voice of Angus Stone– if an aged whisky could sing it would sound like Angus Stone. Their sound was accentuated by the cohesive trippy background visuals, consisting of dancing lemon men or creatures of the DOPE LEMON universe going on their own separate adventures.
In the likes of these pictured creatures that are often depicted in music videos or in this case, as background visuals; while performing, suddenly the characters came to life. During songs like “Hey You” and “Salt & Pepper”, figures wearing mascot heads resembling characters seen on the screen began to dance on stage as the band played. Making the entire concert feel less like a live music event and more of a big party that you couldn’t figure out how you got to but you’re glad to be there.
The night continued and the venue was filled with euphoria and psychedelic calm. Angus began to preach about the connection that is formed between music and people from all walks of life. In short, it’s why he makes music. A true sentiment that echoes through his music that focuses on the spirit and adventure of life. The band closed out the show with one of my favorites, “Uptown Folks”, from his 2016 LP “Honey Bones”. A song about getting back to our roots and removing ourselves from thoughts that continuously chase after what we don’t have and believe to be necessity; simply– we are what we need. A theme that I find all too relevant in the age and culture of materialism and keeping up with the joneses. I suppose that’s why I think the band and the sound they bring represents Portland– it’s weird, carefree, and a bit spunky.
The group came out for one encore, Angus made a swift Irish goodbye after completing one song while the band ended the show (officially) with sweet rifts like a kiss goodbye. Wednesday is no longer hump day, it’s DOPE LEMON day– you heard it here first!
