Chromeo shows practice makes perfect at Commodore

By Kristi Alexandra
[culture editor] 

Aug. 2 marked the fourth time that Montreal two-piece Chromeo had played Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom this year.

And a couple of seasoned veterans they proved to be on that Tuesday evening, creating one heaving, sweaty, orgiastic dance party that would usually befit a Saturday night.

It wasn’t without a rough start, however, as Vancouver electronic two-piece Humans opened for Eastern Canada’s glory boys.

There was something a little off-kilter with the usually magnetic twosome, who’s knob twisting and button mashing just didn’t sync-up that night. Layer that on top of flat vocals, and you could audibly hear Humans flopping.

When the lights went out at 10:45 p.m. for the main attraction, the dancefloor was visibly packed with 20-somethings, all dressed to the nines.

The musical energy and carnal attraction in the venue seemed to mesh well, as Chromeo opened with their sexy groove “Don’t Turn The Lights On.”

Ironically, the flashy, strobe-like light show suggested that P-Thugg and Dave 1 actually did want the lights – on them.

Well-known hits like “Tenderoni,” which boasts of the group’s own reputation, didn’t help to show Chromeo in a humble light.

While I’m typically averse to shameless self-promotion so often seen by mainstream hip-hop and rap artists, Chromeo’s grade of self-involvement might actually be well-deserved.

The boys totally nailed “Hot Mess” and “Waiting For You,” and then even nailed a short interlude of Dire Straits’ “Money For Nothing” on guitar.

“Bonafied Lovin’” definitely sealed the deal for those who were wont to go home with someone that night, as Chromeo provides the perfect soundtrack for a bangfest.

And getting all that raw, musically sexual energy live rather than via your iTunes account? Double the chance of getting laid.