It was a sold out show at the Double Door in Chicago. After playing here only a few months ago (Empty Bottle, October 2007), The Raveonettes were back in Chicago with something different, Lust Lust Lust, their recently released album. This was my first live encounter with the band and I was anxious to see what they had to offer.
The Danish duo consists of Sune Rose Wagner (guitar, vocals) and Sharin Foo (bass, guitar, vocals). Originally formed after meeting in Copenhagen, the band invented their name, The Raveonettes, as a combination reference to The Ronettes and Buddy Holly's Rave On.
Joining the band on tour was electronica drummer Leah Shapiro of Kap10Kurt. She handled the rhythm section with The Raveonettes' signature setup of only a cymbal, snare, tom and what appeared to be a sampler/sequencer for various layering effects. Also present was, of course, the name Fender. It is known to many that Sune and Sharin are loyal to Fender's guitars (Jazzmasters) and amps, which fit well with their dark, noisy, twangy wall-of-sound.
The night began with some songs from their new album which the crowd was obviously familiar with. This says a lot. If a band can release new material, immediately tour and fill venues to capacity, it is clear that something important is going on. The majority of the middle of the set was scattered with songs from each of their albums including "Attack of the Ghost Riders", one of their more well-known singles from their first release Whip It On. Overall, the set was a very well-balanced serving of their four-course discography.
The dynamics of the band on stage were interesting to watch - Sharin getting most of the spotlight during the first couple songs with the blue/red stage lights, and Sune standing in the dark with no light whatsoever. Both stood right at the base of the stage monitors without much movement at first. Then, as the set progressed, Sune became equally lit on stage and Sharin more animated. For the most part Sharin liked to face the audience and Sune liked to face the amp when not singing, which was necessary for guitar feedback and that hunched-over-guitar-at-your-knees method of getting into your music.
What I really liked about The Ravonettes’ live show was the added dimension of their music when mixed for a live performance. What sounds like a subdued rhythm section on the recordings becomes something you don’t expect until you hear it live. It just makes you smile and/or drop your jaw as you physically feel the music rather than simply just listening to it. This was effectively demonstrated by their opening song, "Hallucinations" - the second song from their new album. Most of the song was just guitars building up for the last minute finale. Slowly the melodic guitars and vocals harmonized as one to set the mood, and then a little snare drum build which makes you realize "oh, the drums are a nice addition" just before it goes back to only guitar... and then you're slapped in the face with the “real” drums and bass added to the song-cycle for a remaining 45 seconds (an you wish they would keep going). After that first song, they had my full attention for the entire night.
It was refreshing to experience a show that I expected to enjoy, but unexpectedly turned me into a loyal fan.
