Words: Ethan   Photos: Kevin

My first exposure to Ladytron was around 2003, when I was firmly in the clutches of the electro-house surge that accompanied the electroclash boom of the same time.  In that moment, Ladytron's Light and Magic seemed to me to be so tight, so timely, and just so right.  Unfortunately I lost track of Ladytron after that.  So, years later, having rediscovered the band, imagine my surprise that not only had they survived The Great Electroclash Wave of Aught-3, but that in 2003 their best work was actually yet to come.  Catching myself up since then, I've developed a deep appreciation for their tight production, strong sense of groove, and icy aesthetic.

This is all by way of saying that I was excited to see Ladytron perform live for the first time on Tuesday, October 22, 2011 at the 9:30 Club.  Ultimately, while I wasn't disappointed, I certainly wasn't blown away either.

Ladytron's fifteen song (including encore) set touched on each of its LPs, with the heaviest focus being placed on Gravity the Seducer (4 songs) and Witching Hour (5 songs!).   Unlike in some previous Ladytron tours, there were no guitars in this stage setup.  Instead, all four band members (Daniel Hunt, Reuben Wu, and singers Helen Marnie and Mira Aroyo) parked themselves in front of an arrangement of synthesizers, while being admirably supported only by a live drummer.  The technical execution by the band was essentially flawless, and the live drumming added  a tremendous amount to the sound, supplying a much needed element of excitement in contrast with Ladytron's carefully cultivated aloofness.