Dragonette performs at Michael's. Photo: Megan Couture Dragonette performs at Michael's. Photo: Megan Couture

Review: Dragonette at Michael’s

By | Sep 11, 2012

Guest blogger Megan Couture reviews Dragonette’s recent performance at Michael’s on Young Street.

Dragonette, a pop-synth trio I’ve been lucky enough to see twice this year, are high-energy, in sync and pitch perfect. Watching them perform last week while the crowd was dancing, sweating and singing was a reminder of what pop music is supposed to look—and feel—like. It doesn’t have to be fake; it can be from an authentic, talented place.

Yet the crowd was small, or rather, intimate. I prefer that term. Myself and everyone around me had enough room to dance, a rare occurrence at a show of such high calibre. It was just surprising, because if everyone knew how awesome Dragonette was, they would surely have been there.

Enough about that. I’m glad I covered both shows this year because they were both quite different— another bonus point that in only six months Dragonette could put on a completely different show.

The first difference: DVBBS (pronounced ‘dubs’ —don’t make the same mistake I did) opened the show at Michael’s. A dubstep/DJ combo, this duo is returning to the city in October for HPX. Their sound was spectacular, with quick, choppy remixes divided by huge, heavy drops. But it was just too early; the lights were up and the crowd wasn’t dancing. I think they’re worth checking out in a more dubstep-friendly atmosphere (if that’s something you’re into) and will likely revisit during HPX.

A very short break brought Dragonette to the stage, opening with the very sexy “I Get Around” from Galore, an album (Dragonette’s first) dedicated to getting in trouble, making mistakes and having too much fun every step of the way.

The show was jam-packed with music, and chatting with the audience was short and sweet. The show was a fun balance between tracks off of second studio album “Fixin’ to Thrill” (personal favourites include the ballad “Easy,” a love letter to a foundering, one-sided relationship and “Pick up the Phone,” a dreamy track that conjures visions of two lovers taking the world by storm), collaborative radio-friendly hits (“Hello” and “Big in Japan” both with DJ Martin Solvieg, as well as “Fire in Your New Shoes,” a sassy favourite of mine with DJ Kaskade), and sneak peeks of their upcoming album.

Dragonette has a new album, titled “Bodyparts” out September 25. From what I’ve heard, it’s going to be worth picking it up, so mark your calendar. The band also tried out some material that hasn’t been played live much yet (another benefit to the intimate crowd), including singles “Let it Go” and “Live in This City.” Both fast-paced and pumped up, they got  me excited for the new album.

Halifax is happy to have you back, Dragonette.

 

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