Live Review: Neon Trees, New Empire

A mix of feminine fanatic devotees and casual rockers come to admire Neon Trees at Ding Dong Bar tonight. New Empire claim the crowd's attention for the first part of the night with a repertoire of upbeat tracks and swoon-worthy songs. The cheeky gentlemen from Sydney make ladies scream for more.

Roaring sounds fill the smoky space. In only a few following seconds, Neon Trees conquer the stage with a flashy entrance and are warmly welcomed by the full house. After greetings and thanksgivings, the show is officially opened as lead singer Tyler Glenn shouts out with passion: “I wanna sing with you, I wanna dance with you!” The first groovy guitar hooks seem familiar for all. The crowd sings along with 1983, an upbeat hit that goes way back.

Glenn's funky vocals and dance moves are contagious. His bright yellow leather jacket and kinky haircut adds to the neon effect. Bass player Branden Campbell makes his rock-glam point with an instrument covered in gold and glitters. Elaine Bradley opts for modesty in dress. Sound-wise she is a plenary presence as she supplies firm strokes and vigorous rolls.

Glenn comments as he looks back at their first Australian visit: “You guys must have thought, 'Who are those awkward white Mormon kids from Utah?'” This question is clearly answered tonight.