I have to wonder if Dave 1 and P-Thugg will ever rue the day they included that ridiculous over-the-top intro on Fancy Footwork. Naturally they must use it to make an entrance for every show, as they did Friday night at Irving Plaza. (And don’t get me wrong. I would have been severely disappointed if they did not.) However, the crowd broke into the chant so many times throughout the course of the set that Dave 1 had to tell everyone to quiet down on several occasions.
I don’t love Chromeo because their music is exceptionally unique. I love Chromeo because… well, because… I love them! How could you not?! They have so much fun not only with their music, but also with the public’s perception of the group, that it’s nearly impossible not to find them endearing. They’re nerds who are really super cool who are actually ladies’ men. And they manage to somehow roll all of these characteristics up into the perfect package of catchy hooks and phrases.
Highlights of the show included Dave 1 switching his black framed glasses out for a pair of Wayfarers, gently scolded P-Thugg with a playful, “alright now Patrick, that’s enough,” when his jamming ran too long, and the announcement of a new album that will likely be due out next summer. They placed the whole of Fancy Footwork with a few throwbacks to their first album, including “She’z N Control” and “You’re So Gangsta,” topped off by new single “Night by Night.”
Overall, these two boys looked thrilled to be on stage, happy to be playing New York, and stoked by the overall enthusiasm of the crowd. What I liked best of all was the very active audience participation that was requested many times over the course of the night. Who doesn’t want to chant, “This is a new sound! We came to get down!” over and over on a weekend? Especially when you are so politely asked.
Oh so sadly, Dave 1 did not speak a word of French. Curses!
