The Raveonettes

So I finally got to FROG - a club night with a very long queue on the Charing Cross Road - and came face to face with Guy McKnight from the 80's Matchbox Disaster within minutes. He yelled in my face which I think was supposed to scare me, and did a little. We then had a nice friendly chat at a table by the bar while I waited for my escort and familiarised myself with my surroundings. Young And Lost? Ten years ago definitely. Now just a little disoriented and thirsty. A two-pound whiskey and coke later and I make my way downstairs to join the gathering crowd.

1am is the perfect slot for The Raveonettes, who churn out a distinctly dark shade of what you could call 50s-saturated europop. The high ceilings of the venue heighten the drama (as well as the already high reverb levels). The set is a treat - loaded with catchy riffs, bubblegum lyrics, scratchy guitar feedback and boy-girl harmonies - and a steady stream of stage-divers expresses our obvious enthusiasm. My Boyfriend’s Back (originally by 60s girl-group The Angels) is a definite highlight.

When Wagner eventually saunters on to the dancefloor sometime later there is visible swooning. It is a shame that the DJ goes on to turn things techno... The trippy, dancey, slowed-up version of Mr Brightside that follows is exactly the opposite kind of dark from The Raveonettes. I can hear pine forests in their chewy doo-wap.

When: 15/07/05
Who: The Raveonettes
Where: FROG
Review by: Jane Rich
Pitchfork reviews: The Raveonettes