Presets So Good

Admittedly, last night we were not expecting much from The Presets. Seattlest had already spent a great deal of our evening surrounded by dudes in baseball caps and girls who were trying too hard (thanks a lot, Scion), so we really weren't in the mood for a late night set at Chop Suey. We had heard good things about the Australian electro-rock duo and felt obligated to attend. But now we're glad we did: the band was in fine form, the crowd was way into it, and the drinks were strong. Wethinks those three factors may somehow be related.

Amongst the two Presets, Kim primarily managed the drums and laptop, while Julian provided keyboards, effects, and his Duran Duran-meets-Interpol vocals. Occasionally, the guys would join forces for an extended synth- and effects-laden breakdown. They hit nearly every track off of their debut full-length Beams, and the crowd ate it up. There was more out-and-out dancing taking place than at any show in recent memory (and on a Tuesday no less; Seattle, good on you). Sure, the band didn't have much by way of stage presence, and yes, a lot of the beats ultimately sounded alike, but it didn't matter. With songs like "Are You the One," the Presets make it clear that everybody must shake dat ass. Oh, and for the grand finale (a drawn-out "Down Down Down"), they finally broke out the cowbell. Hells yeah.

The Presets will be back in Seattle November 13th, opening for The Rapture. Does an assuredly great live performance warrant spending $20 for an all-ages show at El Corazon? You'll have to make that call.