The hall was intimately crammed, the music was blaring and the energy pouring from the stage could melt the walls.
"We aim to put on a f**king show," screamed Scully, drummer for Men Women and Children.
The rambunctious quintet and Rock Kills Kid helped to kick off the Wednesday night show at the Icon for headliner Head Automatica.
Even though Men Women and Children weren't scheduled as the main event, they certainly stole the spotlight. None of the other bands that performed at the Icon managed to make the stage feel so tiny. The band demanded the audience's attention, creating an army of blissful, cheering, dancing concertgoers.
"We do it to make you have fun," said lead singer TJ. That aim was certainly achieved.
After the set, Scully spoke about how much the band loves performing live.
"Every show is a unique experience," he said.
For example, at one point the band threw bananas into the audience, which were chucked back to them in pudding form during the food fight that ensued.
The music itself was a mix of weird electronic sounds, thumping beats and hardcore guitars, with influences ranging from Led Zeppelin to Bright Eyes and The Temptations to Justin Timberlake.
Men Women and Children was clearly the standout act of the night, performing with so much genuine enthusiasm that even if the style was not to everyone's taste, one could not help but love the band.
The undying charisma of Head Automatica's lead singer Daryl Palumbro managed to keep the show moving as well. He jumped around the stage, sharing chemistry with other band members that electrified the atmosphere.
The band's sound can be defined as indie-pop, as they blended addictive beats with a powerful stage presence.
HA's music can begin to sound trite on CD, but seeing them in concert livens the material to the point where the repetitive style is barely noticeable. The band's horseplay is a necessary factor, and it maxes out the potential of their music.
Rock Kills Kid, when placed in the middle of two very tightly wound bands, came across as the cooler, older sibling. Their performance of "Midnight" was vaguely reminiscent of the euphoric, uplifting feel of U2 or Paralyzed, but their stage skills were lacking.
Lead singer of Rock Kills Kid Jeff Tucker wore a black leather jacket and took a drag from his cigarette every time he paused from singing. He seemed to be aiming for the same kind of appeal as Morrissey, but came across as nonchalant. The crowd wasn't as involved with their set due to the somber performance.
"(It was a) good reception, not like crazy or anything," Tucker said.
All three bands' material could be a worthy addition to any music collection, but as Scully said, "the first way to experience us is live."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
