Dandy Warhols dandy but distant

On a rainy December night, the Dandy Warhols rolled into the Belly Up on their Distortland tour. As much as I dig the Dandys, I have to say this latest show in San Diego was a moody disappointment.

The Portland band is quirky and eccentric, and their psych-pop talents have taken them far from their original beginnings as a Northwest bar band. Dandy Warhols manage to crank out new music every few years and then get out on the road to plug it. But, quite simply, some shows (and tours) are better than others.

Promotion for 2016’s Distortland had the band traveling up and down the West Coast. By the time they hit San Diego, life on the road may have worn them down into a musical lethargy. The quartet came out and marched through the first five songs, including "STYGGO" and "Pope Reverend Jim" from the new album. Finally, a few words about "tuning a guitar" from lead singer Courtney Taylor-Taylor and then it was back to dispensing with several more songs. The shows pacing improved when Taylor-Taylor took an acoustic turn on his solo song "Every Day Should Be a Holiday," but the band appeared aloof and distant.

Near the end of the set, the hits started coming: "Heroin is so passe," according to "Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth." The Dandy hit "Bohemian Like You" managed to spark some energy from the crowd. Finally, as a holiday gift to their fans, the band offered up a charming "Little Drummer Boy" rendition, and after that they were gone. A talented band, but I think San Diego got them on an off night.

• Concert: Dandy Warhols
• Date: December 15
• Venue: Belly Up
• Seats: bar area