Chromeo @ Metropolis

After all the craziness at the Rick Ross concert the week prior, I was looking forward to a show where I could be almost guaranteed not to have to worry about having a bottle thrown at me or the possibility of concert-goers carrying a gun. Luckily, I was safe in the arms of Chromeo. As soon as the lights dimmed, the usual pushing and shoving for a spot closer to the stage was replaced with the unified chant of “CHROMEO-O-OH”. Their chants were echoed with the intro song from their second album Fancy Footwork. As the duo broke into their summer single, “Don’t Turn the Lights On,” it was clear the floor was there for one reason: to dance. Performing in front of their now signature female mannequin legs synthesizers, every track invoked a new wave of screams from the crowd.

The real fun began when they quickly switched to some oldies. “Tenderoni” had the biggest reaction from the crowd as Chromeo’s electro-funk vibe had the entire audience moving and singing along. The show continued with more classics like “Call Me Up” and “Bonafied Lovin’” alongside new singles “Hot Mess” and “Night By Night.” The pace never let up and it was clear Dave 1 and P-Thugg were enjoying the hometown welcome. In a surprising thank you to their hometown fans, Chromeo presented the sold-out Metropolis with the first ever live performance of “J’ai Claqué la Porte.” The reaction from the crowd was unreal, appreciating the nod to their French-Canadian upbringing. The two seemed to feed off the energy of the crowd and were often spotted smiling at each other. Perhaps the most endearing moment of the night was the surprise appearance of their mothers on stage for “Momma’s Boy.” Although a little stage-shy, it was clear the “boys” appreciated having the support of their family.

I was first introduced to Chromeo at a summer high school cross-country training camp. Although yet unfamiliar with the electronic music world, I could tell something was different about the group. “Needy Girl” from their 2004 debut album She’s In Control quickly became my most played song on Windows Media Player (yes, life before iTunes) and therefore my most anticipated song to hear live. Chromeo did not disappoint as they saved my favourite for their encore. However, the only let down of the night came from the lack of the record-scratching breakdown in “Needy Girl” that I’ve become used to. The duo continually thrilled fans with their non-stop energy and charisma (although P-Thugg seemed to have forgotten his shirt). Not forgetting his rather large screaming female fan base (my friend Chelsea surely the loudest), Dave 1 jumped off stage to sing along with them, ending the show with what will  likely be the next single off of 2010’s Business Casual - “Grow Up.”

After seeing Chromeo play at the Concordia Student Union’s Orientation concert I thought I knew what to expect: good dance music and a great light show. However, the crowd at that show was less than engaging and that must make the difference. The audience at Metropolis was going crazy from start to finish and Chromeo definitely felt the love.  You have to hand it to the group for performing 100% regardless of the setting. I had a great time dancing and singing along to songs that never seem to get old and would recommend you check them out for yourself.

- Erica is CJLO's News Director, visit our news page here

All photos copyright Erica Fisher