Ladytron's performance was just as perfect as the only other time I've ever seen them live. The show wasn't all that dynamic: Helen still sings, Mira still scolds, Danny and Reuben still don't seem to care (though Danny did send a shout-out to the fan that got him stoned). They've broken from their tradition of wearing uniforms but they're cloaked in black. Last time they were completely still behind their synthesizers. This time 'round Helen actually moved. In fact, she kind of worked the crowd - she had this saucy lounge singer attitude happening with a sexy saunter and a sometimes-crooked elbow.
The group performed songs from all three albums and a few more that I couldn't even pretend to sing-along to. Everyone around me was in the same state as me totally fixated on the group, swaying and singing, empty beer bottle in hand.
Ladytron has something special. On their myspace.com the biographer mentions that in this day and age very few bands are given a three-record contract (three being the number a band needs to really develop its style) because the MTV generation is too spaz and ADD, and the record companies too money-hungry to be bothered. But since Ladytron's natural development has been financially successful their label is happy enough to reward their brilliance with cash and now, look, they're soon embarking on a second world tour!
The progression they've made through the three albums is just amazing. It's kind of like Fischerspooner where they've taken the deep-rooted foundation of their success and worked on it instead of mirroring it. It's like a Connect-the-Dots game except it doesn't matter which way you draw the line, it'll always make sense. And it'll always be beautiful, dramatic, dainty and passionate but robotic... kind of like constellations, nonsensical to those you don't get it but totally natural to those you do.
The opening band was none other but The Presets. Ladytron lulls me into bliss and The Presets fry me into a state of electric shock. Sure, there are some songs that are sullen and melodic but their genius shines when the start banging away on the synthesizers and the wailing in the most unhuman of tones. It's a freakshow and a sermon at once. And they are so cute it's insane.
If you haven't seen Ladytron live it's a treat to behold.
http://www.ladytron.com/site.php
http://www.myspace.com/ladytron
http://www.thepresets.com/deterioration_content.html
http://www.djvibe.com/news/news_details.php?topicid=207
