Dance Me Inside

Despite the club name of Tattoo Rock Parlour, Saturday at this NxNE showcase was all about dance-able music. In fact, its big sound system and crazy lighting was perfect for the genre. I had RSVP'd to sponsor Red Bull for a spot on the 1 a.m. secret show. But upon showing up for the 1st act, it gave me entry without paying a cover charge.

The early 9 pm slot had a respectable showing (most were probably staking a spot the head-liner) for Paradise Animals. Many did dance to the band's mix of groovy tunes with some introspective lyrics. Any band with a cowbell (used judiciously) is one to watch. Things slowed down for Laurel, a 19-year-old blonde from England who has been compared as the next Lana Del Rey. Lovelorn lyrics backed by piano, cello, synth, and drums gave a quiet chill vibe to her set. Clad in a white babydoll dress, she seemed astonished at the packed crowd. Things sped back up with Ark Analog, a duo all about synth effects, heavy beats, bass, and Maylee Todd's high voice. Tonight, she added tireless dancing to the mix. It's probably why she's packing that flat six-pack stomach.

Finally, Future Islands came on stage to the roar of the crowd. Ever since their appearance on Letterman, they've been on a roll. It was also mostly due to lead Samuel Herring, who seemed to be some sort of Frank Sinatra punk rocker, alternating because sweet croon and deep growls and screams. Their performance was both better and worse than expected. Herring was true to form: dancing, stalking, emotive. Several times, it looked like he might kick or punch somebody from his antics. That didn't happen, though they were likely sprayed with the sweat pouring down his face and drenching his shirt. Yet the wonderful sound mix for the other bands was abandoned to volume. With Herring's voice and the regretful lyrics lost in the noise, the tunes weren't much better than any middle-of-the-road band.