Chromatics at Cafe 1001 (London), April 19, 2008 review

Thanks to Slutty Fringe‘s great concert pick, I managed to catch The Chromatics‘ first London show at Cafe 1001, right around the corner from us on Brick Lane. I fell in love with the Chromatics’ sound after reading so much about the Italians Do it Better imprint, which released their album, Night Drive.

The place was completely packed and sold out. I heard a rumor that they booked another show for Tuesday night (last night) because there was so much demand. Such is the power of the blogs I tell you! While I was waiting in line to get my wrist band, this girl asked me what they sounded like. It was really tough to describe them (I’m shit at it anyway), but I said something along the lines of really mellow, synthy music with a female vocalist. The fetching singer, Ruth Radalet, reminds me of a modern-day Nico. Maybe it was the heavy bangs framing a beautiful face, but their voices share a flat, removed quality.

After their set, they came to the side of the stage to sell merch. How’s that for DIY?

Here’s their cover version of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” paired with the original for comparison. I listened to this song on repeat for much of February. It was the last song of their set, and it didn’t disappoint. (It’s been a while since I posted mp3s, yes?)

Chromatics – Running Up That Hill (cover)
Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill (original)

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Pretty lights = mood shot

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All three boys in the band were wearing the exact same, pristine white Adidas sneakers. (Third boy is the drummer, you can’t see here.) Not sure if that was a nod to boy band outfits or what.