By Kate Lacroix
Having just , ‘ Alexis Krauss was eager to perform for an intimate crowd at the on Monday. She spent the show high-fiving those in the front, waved to those in the back and took a lap through the crowd, praising Boulder for its “great energy.”
And intimate this show was: If I were the optimistic sort, I would describe the Fox Theatre as half-full on Monday. But, having seen Sleigh Bells at its previous Colorado stop — where standing room was scant — I’ll go with half-empty.
The band took to the stage a bit late due to a bus breakdown on their way back from Coachella, but this only served to heighten the energy of the youngish crowd as they giddily passed the time by sipping microbrews (out of real pint glasses) and singing along to piped-in ’80s hits.
True to form, Krauss and guitarist Derek Miller took to the stage with their high octane dance moves and were joined by drummer Chris Maggio and bassist Ryan Primack. Though clearly skilled at their craft, these tour mates didn’t seem to add any punch to the existing power duo.
Less poppy than their excellent first album, “Treats,” and more pronounced than any track on the follow up “Reign of Terror,” the songs on “Bitter Rivals” are more moody. They still contain the same noisy drops and furiously-paced guitar work, but display the artistic deviation one might expect from a third album.
The other notable star of the show was the lighting. Front facing peg boards, woven between stacks of Marshall speakers, blinked and faded with such artistry that they seemed to be coaxing rather than supporting Krauss as she shimmied and shifted her silhouette for the appreciative fans.
But, 10 loud songs later Sleigh Bells was done, giving the Monday night crowd a chance to be in bed by 11 p.m. — even if they weren’t ready for it.
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Kate Lacroix is an occasional contributor to Reverb. After a two year hiatus, she dedicates her first review back to her father John Lacroix, an ardent audiophile who passed away suddenly this month.
Karson Brown is a Denver photographer and a regular contributor to Reverb.
