London natives The Noisettes ripped into the Ogden Theater like a Gallagher chainsaw through watermelon.
This three-piece act with drums, guitar, bass, and vocals played a frenetic set of swank rock songs in support of their debut album, What’s The Time, Mr. Wolf? Fronted by the glorious Shingai Shoniwa on bass and vocals, Dan Smith on guitar, and Jamie Morrison on drums, the group didn’t hold back a bit. With gritty, wailing vocals reminiscent of a combination of Jack White á la Raconteurs and Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Shoniwa queued up in a short white dress with radtacular ‘80s shoulder pads, was bootless by the end of the first song; throwing one after the other to the side of the stage mid-song.
Halfway through the set, guitarist Dan Smith joined the many ranks of amazing musicians thrown off by the effect that high altitude has on one’s ability to handle alcohol, but fortunately the intensified effect of the hootch had no bearing on a remarkable set. Shoniwa describes the band’s sound perfectly as “quite spiky, quite dramatic, theatrical rock ‘n’ roll really.” The audience connected immediately, throwing up arms and letting out screams to signify their obvious enjoyment of the group’s enigmatic sound. Having toured with the likes of TV on the Radio and Muse, it’s quite easy to see why this band is joining the ranks of high-quality live acts that leave you wanting more.
Bloc Party performed a smashing new old skool rock party, complete with yelling, punk, loud guitars, and a touch of what we in the business like to call “F. U.” The band played tracks from Silent Alarm and their newer album, A Weekend In The City, and the audience went nutso for just about every song they played. What’s more, the entire event was being filmed, with proper forewarning at the door: “By entering the venue you agree to be filmed.” Now you know it’s going to be a good show if you may or may not end up on film shirtless, wasted, laughing, and dancing maniacally. (Note: I was not shirtless!)
Proclaiming the near-end of their North American tour, lead singer Kele Okereke confessed his love for Denver and that they were “having a very good time.” I guess that high altitude is good for a few things, innit?!
