Ladytron at First Avenue on 3/1/03

By: David de Young

"They're not very exciting to look at, but they sure do sound good," remarked a friend at First Avenue Saturday. That may sound like an apology, but it provides an accurate synopsis of Ladytron's Minneapolis show there Saturday. As the Liverpool-based band played--dressed in their military-style monochrome uniforms--B&W movies projected on the screen behind them helped spice up the visual effect. And a live drummer and bassist augmented the live feel of the music. Technology-based music shows are always difficult to pull off. To their credit, Ladytron succeeds.

Amidst the Brit-pop and electro scenesters and fans, I stood out at this show in my cowboy hat. (I was decked out for a post-concert 5-minute walk up the road to Lee's Liquor Lounge to hear the rockabilly sounds of the Vibro Champs.) Being the only attendee at the Ladytron show with western headgear, an acquaintance joked that I had stumbled into the wrong venue, noting the fact that self-proclaimed chauvinist and redneck Toby Keith was playing across the street at the Target Center to a crowd of 13,000. But trust me, Ladytron fans; I was at the right show.

During the course of my Ladytron field test this past week, which included spinning their disks, watching them live, and noting the reactions of others an interesting thing happened. My journalistic distance began to dissolve; the more I heard their music, the bigger fan I became. I must say, however--and this says more about me than it does about Ladytron--I would like them more than I if it was still 1982 and I was still 18. But I date myself with that remark.

Ladytron opened Saturday's show with "True Math," the first song from their new album "Magic and Light." (Emperor Norton Records, 2002.) The kraut rock sound of this song reminded of "Als Wär's das Letzte Mal" by D.A.F. (Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft) from 1981's "Alles Ist Gut." D.A.F. was, in fact, one of the first kraut rock bands I ever listened to back in the 80's, and they are a band that influenced Ladytron to no small degree. Ladytron is a band that wears its influences proudly on its sleeve.

Next came "Playgirl" from 2001's major label debut "604." "Playgirl" is probably the stand out track on that album, though it features many good songs. Mira Aroyo and Helena Marie's vocals on this song sounded downright ethereal.

Taken as a whole, Ladytron's music returns me to a time when listening to music wasn't such hard work. In the early 80's, my stash of Gary Numan, Human League, Depeche Mode, Falco and Kraftwerk LP's was an admittedly guilty pleasure. There wasn't much depth to that music either, but who cared? It was fun to listen to. And to dance to, if you chose.

My show notes next to "Cracked LCD" voice my criticism that many of Ladytron's songs tend to sound a lot like their best known song, the college radio friendly "17." But a few songs later came "Blue Jeans," which is not one of them. However, I secretly wish the chorus to this song would soar more than it does. In fact, none of Ladytron's songs take off to major heights, even live. Instead you feel a kind of restraint, yet without the dramatic tension of say Interpol, a byproduct perhaps of the technology-laden quality of the music.

An instrumental song called "U.S.A." near the end of the set was probably the set highlight for me. With its prominent and pounding live drums this song was rocking and sweet. More primal sounding songs like this one would be welcome at future shows.

Not to disappoint, Ladytron closed the set proper with "17."

But the show was far from over. The first of 4 encores was "Discotraxx," a song from 604 that again reminds me of "17." "Turn it On," and "The Way That I Found You" were the second and third encores. Finally closing out the show came a cover of "Oops (Oh My)" by Tweet. (You know the song even if you don't know the artist. It's the one that goes "Oops, there goes my shirt up over my head, oh my." And judging by the "????" on the band's set list I'm guessing that the band felt the Minneapolis audience was receptive enough to be rewarded with this final optional number.

The members of Ladytron, hip and aloof as they seemed when on-stage, were gracious enough to hang around after the show and meet fans and sign autographs. Speaking to them briefly I was impressed by their friendliness and approachability. And Reuben Wu was even kind enough to jump back on the stage and grab me a copy of the set list I've scanned in below.

Members:

Helena Marie - vocals
Mira Aroyo - vocals
Daniel Hunt - programming
Reuben Wu - programming
A live drummer and bass player were also used at this show.

Official website: http://www.ladytron.com

Pop Matters CD review:
http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/l/ladytron-light.shtml

Check out the video for "17." Qucktime. Hi Res here. Low Res here.

Ladytron's set list from the Minneapolis show (3/1/03)

Location Info: First Avenue
Artist Info: Ladytron

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