The Sounds prove they know how to put on a New York City show

September 17, 2009, at the Roseland Ballroom

By Adrienne Urbanski
Published: September 19th, 2009 | 11:00pm

When the Sounds took the stage at New York City’s Roseland Ballroom, something was missing. And it wasn’t just the lack of a solid opener on this one-band bill. It was lead singer Maja Ivarsson, noticeably absent as the rest of the band ripped into new material from their album Crossing the Rubicon (Original Signal). Instead, model-esque keyboardist Jesper Anderberg sang lead as he pittered away at his keys in the shadows. Finally, after the confusing prelude, Ivarsson took the stage jumping and swinging punches. The hooded track jacket pulled over her head and plethora of ostentatious gold chains around her neck made her seem even more like a boxer, rousing the crowd before a match.

Ivarsson quickly launched into “Queen of Apology,” and put the microphone in front of the audience so that the energetic crowd could sing the chorus. Ivarsson danced and jumped across the stage despite wearing sky high stiletto heels “Did you bring your dancing shoes tonight?” she asked, “I did!”

Later she screamed to the audience, “Where my bitches at?” with an energetic, tough as nails attitude that was infectious. The crowd seemed overly roused with fist fights and shoving matches breaking out across the floor that brought to mind the violent, testosterone-ridden mosh pits of the ‘90s. The crowd was nothing if not enthused and Ivarsson made ample use of their participation, asking the girls and boys to take turns I singing the words to “Painted by Numbers.”

As the concert surpassed the midway point, Ivarsson’s performance became more sexual as she removed her track jacket to reveal a strapless black top and short shorts that channeled both Deborah Harry and Farrah Fawcett with her platinum blonde feathered hairdo. Ivarsson crawled on the floor, then jokingly pushed her face towards the crotch of her guitarist before shoving his head towards hers mid-strum. In between songs she tossed soda cans into the audience, standing with her hands on her hips and striking a muscle man pose.

The Sounds’ performance was seamless with never a false start or misstep, each track sounding just as perfect live as they do on their three albums. Ivarsson along with lead guitarist Felix Rodriguez were both engaging performers and never once let down their energy or lost the audience’s full attention. The two sang a duet on “Hurt You,” which made the song sound more dynamic and enthralling live than it does recorded. Later, when the band launched into “Living in America,” a song that criticizes the crassness of American pop culture — the entire audience leapt and screamed “We’re not living in America! And we’re not sorry,” lyrics that sounded ironic in the mouths of youthful New Yorkers.

Ivarsson seemed particularly energized on the breakup track “Hope You’re Happy Now,” as she added on new lyrics and threw in obscenities directed at a selfish former lover. As it went throughout the night — despite being on tour to promote their new album, the band only played five songs from their latest release and instead focused on audience favorites.

At the end of the set, Ivarsson affectionately addressed the audience and said, “I love you, I really do, you’ve been so great.” As the audience begged for more after the three encore songs and then fought and shoved over Ivarsson’s discarded towel, it was apparent they were just as smitten.

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The Sounds official website

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Original Signal Records