November 3rd, The Pipettes at the Plaza Club, Vancouver, Canada
There are times when a
band or singer receives a lot of hype in advance of their gig and
unfortunately, the hype often far exceeds the presentation. On Saturday
November 3rd, the much-hyped British retro pop / punk group The
Pipettes performed at
Vancouver
Canada’s The Plaza Club and their performance far exceeded even the most
devoted fan’s expectations. If ever a club patron could claim
that
they got more than their money’s worth for the ticket they purchased, it was
on this night.
The photographer standing next to me, summed it up best when he said, “They put on quite a show, don’t they?” This was high energy from the onset, with for the most part fast paced retro melodies, a thumping backbeat, laced with punk overtures. The Pipettes who at times have been compared to
the Ronettes and Shangri Las, are not simply covering tunes from back in the day. They are capturing the rhythm and fun spirit of another day and time but reinterpreting them with a modern cultural and musical context.
The Pipettes, three in number, a cute brunette named Rosay, Riotbecki, a bespectacled blonde, with a nose ring, and Gwenno, a slim Welsh lady with a great soprano voice, wore their signature polka dot outfits, while fronting a four piece band known as the Cassette.
The Pipettes opened with “Dance And Boogie,” from their CD We Are The Pipettes, and by the time they were breaking into their second song, “Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me,” the already stoked audience was dancing in the mosh pit, while singing the sassy lyrics. For their part the high energy Pipettes, only seemed to stop dancing long enough, to change places between songs. Watching the interaction between the ladies on stage as they dance, dialogue and include a bit of humorous theatrics in their act, is a lot like watching three university students, just having a lot of fun at a party. I do not know any of the members of The Pipettes, so I cannot comment on their offstage demeanor or habits, but I would have no hesitation in recommending their concerts to anyone I know, regardless of the age group. It would appear that judging by the crowd who gathered twelve to fifteen rows deep, in front of the stage that The Pipettes do in fact appeal to a broad spectrum of ages.
The song “It Hurts To See You Dance So Well,” included choreography straight from the sixties’ Supremes, with bodies turned sideways, left arms flung forward in unison, and accompanying dance moves.
There were many memorable songs during this high octane performance, including, “Why Did You Stay,” featuring the alto voiced Rosay on lead vocals, the monster hit, “Pull Shapes,” and “Because It’s Not Love (But It’s Still A Feeling).” “Why Did You Stay,” which comes across great on the studio mix, is even better live as Gwenno and Riotbecki move to either side of Rosay, and at one point during a song about a good hearted man and somewhat of a bratty lass, Rosay says, “Well I’ve had just about enough of sweet.” The song “Pull Shapes,” is every bit as fun as their corresponding youtube video, and The Pippettes had the audience clapping to the beat, while their adoring fans bobbed up and down.
The opening act that immediately preceded The Pipettes was Nicole Atkins & the Sea, from Brooklyn New York. They are a high-powered rock act, but not heavy metal. Atkins has awesome, passionate vocals that command your attention, whether she is singing a slower ballad or a quick tempo song. She plays electric guitar, and is backed by a drummer, keyboard player, rhythm guitar and a bass player. Keep an eye on Nicole Atkins, because she is not going to be an opening act for much longer. This woman has a bright future ahead of her.
Reviewed By Joe Montague
All Photos by Benjamin Luk ©
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Reviewed November 3, 2007
Riveting Riffs wishes to thank Live Nation and the management of the Pipettes for making it possible for us to review this Gig
