Ladytron @ The Commodore

Take the best of pop music over the last three decades and you'll get Ladytron, a quartet of mid-twenties Eurotrash kids whose sound fuses streamlined new wave with a dance-floor bass line and plenty of funk rhythm. Ladytron was dreamed up by Daniel and Reuben, two friends from Liverpool with a love for music who played the odd DJ gig here and there. - MTV

Ladytron doesnt put on much of a show. The four members stand, strewn about the stage, and play their respective synthesizers. Thats about it. Helen sings, Mira scolds. Danny and Reuben dont seem to care. Theyre all dressed in uniform fashion dark, drab, totally sexless. The difference between Ladytron live and recorded is barely audible.

But never have I been so enraptured by a live performance. The entire time they were on stage that elusive feeling of pure, unadulterated delight swirled inside of me.

I find it hard to explain how beautiful their music is. Their melodies candyfloss, steel wool, a slab of marble are magnificent. Some tracks are just ditties but for the most part they are so perfect its as if their music were a manifestation of the universal consciousness. Layers of noise and masterful manipulation of sound that are never superfluous compliment each melody: sly side steps into the minor, computer loops that tickle, harmonies that would make an android sigh. The lyrics cryptic mantras, a department store directory, forlorn observations are like nothing Ive ever heard before. And those voices. Miras stern alto voice scares me. Helens voice is exuberantly sad and quietly satisfied and it makes me feel the same way.

All this I basically gathered from listening to 604 and Light and Magic on my stereo. But to experience it at full volume, in the midst of a spellbound audience and my boyfriends arms around me I was the happiest girl in the world.

Hearing them loud was a bit of a revelation. That afternoon I had interviewed Helen and Reuben. In the midst of our conversation the bass of True Mathematics began to resonate through the Commodore. The intensity of the noise was such that I realized that Ladytron isnt just lilting and sublime; they are powerful and voracious, too. During the concert the sound was so paralyzing that each beat, tinkle, and cadence seemed to devour me.

The lighting was also electrifying. As the concert went on the lighting got more surreal to the point where I felt I was in an anime.

I will stop gushing. The bottom line is that Ladytron is unbelievably fantastic and I wish I were going to Coachella.

On another note, I didnt catch Mount Sims because I forgot they were the very first band on. Missing them was a disappointment because they rock. Theyre akin to Peaches as their lyrics are balls-out scandalous but they are more dancefloor material than she is. Plus, the group (as is the case with most of these electro characters) has a great sense of style. Earlier that day I saw the lead singer wearing a light grey pea coat with a matching 19th century French soldier-type cap. That, in and of its self, merits that you go out and buy their album.

Simian bit like none other.

Watch Ladytron Interview video on DJV-TV (click link below)