Chromeo at Xoyo

Was that Chromeo in London or was it an illusion? It was a lucky Thursday for Londoners as the Canadian duo hasn’t stepped foot in the Big Smoke for three years now. The pair performed at Xoyo in Shoreditch yesterday, making us move like there was no tomorrow.

The dance floor was on fire, and the big crowd at the venue were expectantly chanting: “Chromeeoo, Chromeoo”. Dave 1 and P-Thugg kept them waiting, but all good things are worth the wait. Kicking off the show with Come Alive, the band exuded an electro-funk feel-good mood, clearly ready to party.

The ensemble has been present since their last album release in 2014, White Women – with collaborations here and there – but it’s been a while since they have given us brand new material. Their latest single Must’ve Been came out a month ago, and it was a hit. So the fifth album will certainly give us more of that good stuff about love-gone-wrong and seduction, and as Dave said yesterday, it is promised to be “the funkiest thing they have done.”

The duo are not only capable of powerful songwriting, but they also become two showmen when they perform, and the audience loves P-Thugg’s “robotic voice”. Accompanied by a set of disco lights that enhanced the discotheque vibe, yesterday’s gig gave us what we’ve all been missing. In a way, the pair are reviving the electro-funk of the 80s, and that is one of the things that make this band so great. Their music makes one’s feet want to move with incredible energy, with songs like Jealous and Over Your Shoulder, which is supported by a soft guitar. It’s like we are back in the best musical decade; these artists are just too much fun. 

Rounding up with a fantastic performance of Sexy Socialite, the musicians also gave the audience a taste of what’s coming in their fifth album. The unreleased track incorporates a Chromeo classic: lyrics that deal with affairs of the heart. Last night was promising indeed, and everyone is excited to see what’s coming next along with the full release. Don’t miss out in the autumn, because rumour has it this duo will be back in November.

Ella Navarro
Photo: Dave Mangels

For further information and future events visit Chromeo’s website here.

Watch the video for Must’ve Been here: