Review: Iceage @ Johnny Brenda's (Philadelphia, July 23)

Cast on a tiny stage, Danish punk four-piece Iceage made a more lasting impression last Monday night at Johnny Brenda's than fans may have anticipated.

Following a somewhat confusing short set from Brooklyn duo LAW, and a calmly chaotic performance from Dirty Beaches (Alex Zhang Hungtai), Iceage cast a fast-paced 30 minute set in front of a mixed audience. While most were clearly there for the headliner, some had stayed behind for Hungtai. So for some, the frenzy was a little centralized.

The band, although only a year or so into their post New Brigade LP careers, has earned a not so welcoming reputation for its lives performances. Lead-singer Elias Bender Rønnenfelt dictates a decent amount of energy on the crowd, although most seem slightly inaudible. His three counterparts, however, play through shorts jolts of energy some methodically that to them they appear almost completely separate.

Although only 30 minutes, the band has limited material to work from. That in its own gives the band a pass, because the more the show went along, the better and better the energy transferred around the room. The set's closer, "You're Blessed," seemed to resonate extremely well, despite its abruptness.

With more source material, the band should be bigger in a few short years. As for now, New Brigade will carry them as far as they can go.

Johnny Brenda's, July 23 - Iceage, Dirty Beaches, LAW (Preview)

Rousing, effortless, and criminally enjoyable, Iceage's 2011 New Brigade tracks in barely at 26 minutes, but unnerves the unsuspecting listener.

The band's debut album, which landed #10 on Bears and Bullets best albums of 2011, showcases the unquestioned potential of the four (at the time) Danish teenagers. Since setting out on their first tour last year, the band has been refining their style and stage presence, converting their chaotic sounds to furious live experiences. Although still learning and still young, the band continues to make a noise all uniquely their own.

Making an effort to catch the act this Monday, at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia is all the more important considering how big this band will likely be in a few short years.

Alongside Iceage will be Alex Zhang Hungtai, otherwise known as Dirty Beaches. The Canada-via-Taiwan lo-fi act adores the mellowed, soulful styles of West coast punk. His eerie debut, Badlands, showcased his affectionate and noir take on murky surfer elements and modern rockabilly.

The style obviously differs from the aforementioned Iceage, as well as lead-in act LAW, an emerging experimental duo from Brooklyn. LAW are set to release their studio debut in the near future.

Doors open at 8 p.m., with the shows slated to begin at 9. Tickets are a mere $12, and are still available.

Friday Bears: Dirty Beaches on Take Away Show

As part of the Pitchfork Paris Music Festival last October, Pitchfork and La Blogotheque (the people who make the awesome Take Away Shows) have released of series of intimate performances from artists who appeared at the fest, including this intensely bizarre sax+handclap performance from Dirty Beaches under a Paris bridge in the middle of the night.

Seriously.

Dirty Beaches - Untitled (Live on Take Away Show)

EDIT: Embedding doesn't particularly work for this one. Watch it here.