Getting down, dirty with moe.

From the first notes of the opener “Godzilla” to the final bit of the last encore tune, moe. held the attention of a crowded house at the Gypsy Tea Room Thursday.

The band did a great job of blending familiar tracks with some of its newer work from the upcoming album “Wormwood,” released in stores Tuesday.

The crowd was an interesting mix, from neatly stitched Polo button-down types to those wearing the t-shirt of their favorite band, to those wearing clothing they probably made themselves.

Representatives from each group sang along as the guys from moe. played through the night.

Someone seeing moe. for the first time will notice right away how loud and hard they play their instruments. The band consists of two guitarists, a bassist and dual drum kits – an effective combination for get-off-your-ass jamming.

The band played a wonderful “Happy Hour Hero” jam that blended into “Mexico.” There was also a little “Seat of My Pants” teaser somewhere in the middle that made my mouth water.

Sadly, it was only a tease and the band didn’t return to the reggae-influenced mixture of sound – it’s a personal favorite.

The band’s first set seemed a little short at an hour long, but the guys only played five different songs over that hour and presented beautifully constructed instrumental jams throughout.

It’s always exciting to hear one song’s destruction blended perfectly with the construction of the next, waiting to hear that first familiar note and share in the mutual realization of the next song.

A crisp “New York City” conjured the feel of a snowy day in the big city. The lyrics really sunk in and took hold.

The set ended with the fun-to-sing-along “Yodelittle” and the closer for the second set, the easily recognizable “Rebubula.” It was appreciated by all.

After a brief break from the stage, guitarist Al Schnier returned alone and played a solo tune.

It was quickly recognized as Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” It’s the kind of cover no one would expect, but everyone enjoyed.

After probably enough time to wipe their brows and chug some bottles of water, the rest of the band returned for the obligatory encore tune.

From the first guitar strummings it was clear moe. was playing “Deep Elem Blues,” a traditional song about Dallas’ musical hub, most commonly associated with the Grateful Dead.

Afterwards, the guys joked that the crowd was probably tired of that tune, but no one was complaining.

Getting down, dirty with moe.

Getting down, dirty with moe.