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>> The Raveonettes Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo. >>

For the three bands that we caught, White Light Motorcade, The Raveonettes and the Mooney Suzuki, the cold didn’t stop them from letting it all hang out stage and leaving nothing to chance.  Part of the new-garage movement isn’t just a return to a less-processed, more raw sound, but also a return to the days when bands seemed to treat every show like it was the last night on earth – get it all out now, ‘cause you never know when you’ll get the chance again.

Easily the most odd group of the evening was the ‘duo’ that is The Raveonettes.  Though officially the line up is Danish duo Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo, they were accompanied by an un-introduced madman on guitar and a drummer.  As has become one of The Raveonettes signatures, the drummer played sans high-hat, which is something we had never seen before.

If you haven’t been exposed to The Raveonettes before, they are a band like no other (with the great exception of the White Stripes) – all the songs are under three minutes, written in the key of B-minor and have a maximum of three chords.  Somehow, within those narrowest of parameters, they let the music go where it may, much like the Jesus and Mary Chain.  The music takes on almost destructive qualities.  Though Wagner and Foo don’t bound about the stage, a tremendous amount of energy comes from the music.

>> WLM's Harley Dinardos cuts loose. >>

Coming on immediately before headliner The Mooney Suzuki, The Raveonettes had the benefit of playing before a fairly sizable crowd.  It was apparent that, while many of the kids had a vague familiarity with the music, seeing The Raveonettes live sealed the deal – there were more than a few looks of approval.

When we arrived at the show, the White Light Motorcade were already a few songs into their very tight set.  With their full-length not hitting stores (on a major label) until June, WLM haven’t had the benefit of radio play but they’ve already attained a national presence.  For those that came out a bit early, they were treated to a very solid performance and a taste of what has made WLM one of the top “buzz bands” out there.

The New York-based foursome, featuring Harley Dinardos on vocals backed by Mark Lewis (guitar), Steven Slingeneyer (drums), and Tommy Salmorin (bass), played like tour veterans.  The energy level was high and Dinardos immediately connected with the crowd.  Clad in plenty of old-looking black leather and the requisite shaggy hairdos, the guys play with a maturity and indie-rock swagger that belies their youthful faces.

>> The Mooney Suzuki rocked the night. >>

Though it’s considered early by rock and roll standards, headliner the Mooney Suzuki hit the stage at about 9:45, and it was a good thing, consider how chilly the night air had become.  By 9:50, though, the temperature had risen more than a few degrees on stage, as the guys simply cut loose.   With singer/guitarist Sammy James, Jr. and his ever-present sunglasses working the crowd like a master showman, it was hard not to get swept up in the tide of energy and sound. 

The Mooney Suzuki’s strength is in their delivery – the guys take having fun and rocking out seriously.  With guitarist Graham Tyler alternately dropping to his knees or leaping into the air, it’s easy to get so caught up into the spectacle that they music almost becomes secondary.   Almost.  The moderate hit, “In A Young Man’s Mind,” is familiar enough that many of the fans could sing along.  Regardless of their familiarity with the lyrics, after about two songs, most of the fans were in the groove and dancing along.     By 10:00, the temperature was no longer an issue.