A few years ago I saw Noisettes play at Amoeba Music in Hollywood. At the time, they had just released “What’s the Time Mr. Wolf” and were receiving some radio airplay from local stations Indie 103.1 and KCRW. They had a great turnout and seemed to be a band on the rise. At the show, when I met the band, they had this genuine optimistic attitude that seems to ultimately effect everything they do. Whenever I hear their music I can’t help but feel that spirit; they hold a special place in my heart.
A few months later, Noisettes announced that they would be taking a hiatus from performing while they worked on their second album. I was disappointed that this band would be off the music radar for some time and was uncertain on whether they would be able to pick up the momentum they left off.
Two years later, I rejoiced when I heard “Wild Young Hearts” on KCRW. Yes! They have returned and have not been forgotten. In addition to this, they announced a show at Spaceland Jul 22. Score!
After a long stage setup, Noisettes took the stage to an audience eagerly anticipating their arrival. The band entering the stage with two additional members, playing “Wild Young Hearts”. But singer Shingai Shoniwa remained behind the curtains for the beginning of the song, singing from backstage, then making her grand entrance.
Noisettes sounded as great as ever, playing old favorites like “Don’t Give Up” and “Scratch Your Name” and newbies like “Don’t Upset the Rhythm” and “Never Forget You”. Shingai’s unique personality shined throughout their performances, whether it was through her comments in between songs or her moves on stage. Shingai has such enthusiasm on stage it is inevitably infectious. Her interaction with the audience reminds me of a quote from the film Almost Famous, from singer Jeff Bebe (Jason Lee): “I connect. I get people off. I look for the guy who isn’t getting off, and I make him get off.” At one point Shingai asked how the front and back of the audience was doing, received a roar of applause and cheers. When she asked how the people at the bar were doing, she received a lagged, ambivalent, drunken response. She prompty went over to fix the situation, performing from the bar.
Noisettes ended the night after a well deserved encore with “Count of Monte Cristo” and a cover of T. Rex’s “Children of the Revolution”. To make the night even better, Noisettes bid farwell by handing out free beers to the audience. I am now on counting on this at all their performances.
Yes, the Noisettes have returned in full force.
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