all photos: Fitsum from last time
It’s not unheard of for a two-person band to create a rocking live show. After all, Jack and Meg White have been doing it for years.
But there was no “White”-ness in Sunday’s Ting Tings show at Sonar in Baltimore. Except maybe in my awkward dancing. Otherwise, the Ting Tings were as technicolor and fluorescent as singer Katie White’s spandex pants. With only Katie on guitar and Jules De Martino hammering away on the drums, the TTs had the packed crowd hopping as they rolled through their debut full-length, “We Started Nothing.” And I got to be there front and center representing the BYT posse in Charm City.
Heading in, I sort of knew what to expect.
If you’ve heard their album – and I’m sure a lot of you have because of the placement of “Shut Up and Let Me Go” in a ubiquitous iPod commercial – the concert is basically straight lifted from there, although the order of songs is shuffled. Where the live differs from the recording, however, is in the infectious energy that the TTs’ music brings to the party. Listening back over “We Started Nothing,” it seems over-produced and almost boring to a point, especially when you’re only hours removed from the show and an IV of coffee is somehow keeping you focused on a Monday.
Anyway, back to the concert itself.
There wasn’t much stage banter. White simply came out and said “Hello Baltimore. How are you doing?” Pretty standard, but it still drew an approving cheer.
Then she made one request. “You have to make me a promise that you’ll all dance.” Check.
It was hard not to boogie from the beginning. De Martino pounded out the opening beat to “We Walk,” and the audience nodded its collective heads with the dirging thum, thum, thum of the bass drum before it built into a Latin dance number by the end.
It should be noted that Katie White did not pick a guitar until the second song. De Martino actually played the drums and guitar through the opener, and White played a few chords on the keyboard. Oh, De Martino also sang into a mic suspended precariously over his kit. Impressive, and it was a good way to set the tone for this poppy-electro evening.
From there, it was into the next recognizable song, “Great DJ,” which is another interesting use of the band’s multi-instrumentalism. White liberally uses the many pedals she has in front of here to set off a series of blips and boops that drive the song.
By that point, the show was in full-froth mode, partially because of the bouncy rhythms and partially because of the effects of affordable tall boys of PBR.
This song was “Fruit Machine,” whatever a contraption of that sort would be. Really, what is a fruit machine? I consulted Wikipedia, and it’s kind of creepy.
The song version of a fruit machine is probably one of their faster numbers and is one of those fist-pumpers that has more yelling than real singing. That’s not a bad thing. At this point in the night, it’s probably good to let off a little steam. It was definitely getting hot, for that matter.
So three songs into their set – as short as it was – the Ting Tings seemed to find their groove. Katie jumps up on one of her monitors and makes sure everyone is following through on that promise to dance. Said crowd cheers her, and the music commences.
The next one was probably my fave called “Keep Your Head.” In reality, it’s not much different than any of the other songs, but I like the pace of it and the lifting chorus.
And you what? After a few more off their 10-track record, I realized that all of their songs have the same formula. Add 1 funky riff, a few electronic beeps and charging drums to add an uptempo backbeat. Throw in some gypsy shrieks from a blond Brit with a noticeable accent, and there you go.
I’m not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, mind you. White and De Martino put on a high-energy show that got a capacity room to continuously move at a frenetic pace. They’ve obviously sold a crap ton of records and are enjoying constant radio play. Still, I’d recommend taking the time to see the real thing.
It’s fun and catchy, and isn’t that the point?
Sure, the Ting Tings might not be re-writing the book on popular music, but whatever they’re doing works for them. Judging by the breathless bodies walking out of Sonar Sunday night, it’s working for the masses, as well.
Note: I had a chance to meet the band afterwards in a little meet-and-greet, but was told by their British handler that I couldn’t ask any questions that would constitute anything resembling an interview. That’s why there are no official TTs comments in this posting. Still, they were nice and seemed genuinely sorry they couldn’t give me more time. Therefore, I say boo to you, Mr. Handler.
This is prolly not worth mentioning at all… but umm… are these the pics from their show at the 930 club last summer? they look ODDLY fmailiar… if not, then Katie & Jules are wearing the exact smae outfits they wore to the 930 club show a year ago… and that’s kinda weird… lol
July 27, 2009 at 9:59 am“all photos: Fitsum from last time”
July 27, 2009 at 10:02 amlmao… reading is fundamental… I must have totally glazed over that part.
good article though Michael… I think you hit the nail right on the head… they do what works for them… even if it isn’t like, doing anything new or revolutionary… they’re a great party band… but not much past that.
July 27, 2009 at 10:21 amthanks man. and thanks to Svet for the tix. Baltimore correspondant any time. Even though the NFL season is kicking up..
August 19, 2009 at 2:07 am
Not sure the age policy at Sonar but I imagine pretty soon that Ting Ting shows are going to be overrun with tweens as they are on heavy rotation at radio disney (like every third song – right on par with your JoBros and Hanner Montanners.)
May 19, 2009 at 11:39 am