Dogstar and Keanu Reeves are on their way to Columbia. Here's 7 songs to know

The countdown is on for dedicated fans of indie rockers Dogstar — and of their A-list bassist, Keanu Reeves. The band's current tour will make its way to Columbia in less than two weeks.

Guitarist Bret Domrose, drummer Robert Mailhouse and Reeves returned strong with a new album last year after a full 23 years between records. Though the band's body of work is a bit scattered, there are true gems across their three albums to date. Here are seven of the best Dogstar songs.  

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1. "Forgive" from 1996's "Our Little Visionary"

This quick burst of rock 'n' roll, clocking in at just under two minutes, has a perfectly-pitched '90s propulsion; the tune just seems to glide, with Domrose's mates rising to meet him on the chorus, sanding the refrain just enough.

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2. "Breathe Tonight" from "Our Little Visionary"

Heard first and alone, Reeves' bounding bassline sets up a wide-open groove and dark peals of guitar on this wonderfully brooding number — that becomes a full-on growl by its end.

3. "Halo" from 2000's "Happy Ending"

Chugging guitar and snaking bass lend momentum here to this more-than-ready-for-radio jam.

4. "Superstar" from "Happy Ending"

Sonic Youth first applied alt-rock grit to this Carpenters classic, but Dogstar acquits itself well, finding the center of the song's longing while employing distinctly year 2000 production; planing guitars finding the open spaces above skittering beats.

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5. "Everything Turns Around" from 2023's "Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees"

The lead single from Dogstar's return record sounds like it could've been released in 2003 — and that's not a negative. The song embodies a sort of buoyant melancholy that fits rock radio at any point in the 21st century so far.

6. "Dillon Street" from "Somewhere Between ..."

Echoey acoustic guitar and Mailhouse's generous groove lead to a thoughtful, fluttering chorus and the lonesome dirge of a harmonica.

7. "Glimmer" from "Somewhere Between ..."

A true '80s or early '90s power ballad translated into 2023, "Glimmer" soars and recedes with purpose and an emotional potency.

Dogstar plays Rose Park Aug. 24 with Archer Oh. The show is sold out. Visit https://rosemusichall.com/event/dogstar/ for more information.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at [email protected] or by calling 573-815-1731. He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.