Dogstar w/ Fletchr Fletchr @ The Roundhouse, London - 13/6/26

Dogstar deliver a night of authentic rock and unpretentious charm.

It is a glorious Saturday evening in early June and there is a large crowd gathering outside the entrance of the Roundhouse in Camden Town. Apparently Ted “Theodore” Logan of the futuristic band Wyld Stallyns is performing tonight, with support from saviour Mr. Thomas “Neo” Anderson and ex-hitman John Wick… Ladies and gentlemen, veteran alternative rockers Dogstar are in London tonight with support from fast-rising UK indie-rock band Fletchr Fletchr. 

For those not knowledgeable, Dogstar is widely known for featuring Hollywood A-lister Keanu Reeves on bass, along with guitarist Bret Domrose and Robert Mailhouse on the drums. Dogstar was highly active in the ‘90s and early 2000s, releasing albums like “Our Little Visionary” in 1996 and “Happy Ending” in 2000. After a hiatus, they reunited in 2020 and returned to the stage in 2024, playing at the O2 Forum Kentish Town as part of their “Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees” tour. 

It is now 8pm and Fletchr Fletchr take to the stage; the band members appearing both visibly excited and perhaps a tad nervous to be opening for the nicest person in the world. They have supported Imagine Dragons in front of 35,000 people in the past, so tonight’s performance ought to be a smooth execution that would make even John Wick proud. Hailing from Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, the band open with their 2023 single ‘From Home’ and right from the start, we are treated to the strong vocal harmonies between songwriter/vocalist Rohan Fletcher and guitarist Adam Sanders. The current lineup includes drummer Oli Williams and bassist George Green.  ‘Jet Black’ and ‘FWMH’ are tracks based on love, friendship, grief and mental health and their music blends these themes so well with the emotional songwriting coupled with the energetic guitar-driven indie rock sound.

The band name Fletchr Fletchr has a heartfelt backstory. After university, Rohan and Adam moved back into Rohan’s family home, known as the “Fletcher house.” Their close bond led friends to joke that Adam had become part of the Fletcher family. Tragically, Rohan’s father, a major supporter of the band, passed away. Naming the band Fletchr Fletchr became a tribute to him and symbolized the deep friendship between Rohan and Adam. How symbolic then that the band end their half-hour set with ‘Life’, with Rohan addressing the audience that this song is about getting over grief, a song that he wrote for his dad, Matthew Fletcher. A saxophone accompaniment to a glorious yet sombre chorus brings about a loud applause from the audience.

Fletchr Fletchr will return for a second leg of their UK tour in September and October this year.

There is a palpable sense of anticipation in the venue long before Dogstar take to the stage. While a vast majority of the audience is undoubtedly curious to see Keanu Reeves perform with his long-running band, it quickly becomes clear that this is far more than a celebrity-driven attraction.  From the opening song, the trio establish a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere. Their music blends elements of alternative rock, post-grunge and melodic indie influences, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. Dogstar focus on musicianship and connection, allowing the songs to remain at the centre of the performance.

Setlist wise, they play all the songs from the latest album “All In Now” while also acknowledging the band's history – we are treated to six songs from their last album “Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees”. Songs are performed with energy and precision, benefiting from tight arrangements and a strong sense of chemistry between the trio.  Bret Domrose's vocals carry an emotional weight throughout the evening, while his guitar work provide both texture and drive. Drummer Robert Mailhouse delivers a solid, understated performance that anchors the band's sound, keeping the momentum consistent from start to finish. Much attention inevitably falls on bassist Keanu Reeves but his contribution is notable precisely because of its lack of self-consciousness. Reeves appears entirely focused on serving the music rather than drawing attention to himself. His bass playing is cool, steady and effective, locking in with the drums to provide a strong rhythmic foundation. The audience’s enthusiasm whenever he steps forward is evident, yet he remains humble and committed to the collective performance.

One of the night's strongest qualities is its authenticity. Dogstar never feel like a nostalgia act or a novelty project. Instead, they come across as musicians who genuinely enjoy playing together. Between songs, interactions with the audience are warm and sincere rather than overly scripted. This helps create an intimate atmosphere in a venue where the floor standing area is sold out. Highlights include several emotionally resonant tracks that demonstrate the band's ability to balance melody with heavier rock dynamics. The quieter moments are particularly effective, allowing the audience to appreciate the songwriting and lyrical themes before the band expand into more powerful choruses. The audience respond enthusiastically throughout, singing along and rewarding the band with sustained applause after many of the evening's standout performances.

By the time Dogstar return for their closing numbers, the audience have moved beyond curiosity and have now fully embraced the band on its own merits. The final songs are met with enthusiastic cheers, bringing an evening of honest, unpretentious rock music to a satisfying conclusion. Dogstar may attract attention because of the fame associated with one of its members but their live show proves that the band's appeal extends far beyond that connection. Their performance is confident, sincere and musically rewarding – a reminder that authenticity and chemistry can still be the most compelling elements of a live concert.

Dogstar deliver a confident, heartfelt performance that highlights their strengths as a genuine rock band with a distinctive sound and an obvious passion for live music. Tonight’s performance is a strong, heartfelt performance from a band that values musicianship and connection over spectacle.