The Dresden Dolls

The Dresden Dolls were entrusted with easing the disappointment of P.J. Harvey's absence at the Halloweenie Roast in October. They succeeded. When Dolls drummer Brian Viglione -- decked out in a top hat, suspenders and white face paint -- pounded his way through a blistering cabaret-pop version of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs," one awestruck fan exclaimed, "That mime is blowing my mind!" The Dolls had even more show-stealing antics in store, including a scorching sea chantey from singer and pianist Amanda Palmer. Don't be surprised if the Boston group dips into a much larger bag of tricks for its headlining gig, including costumes ranging from artfully elaborate to nearly nothing and covers spanning the same spectrum (Neutral Milk Hotel to Britney Spears).