Description
Ladytron stacks layer after layer of synthesizers, but they are in no way synthetic. Fronted by refreshingly Northern-accented Helen Marnie, the veteran art-pop outfit arrives with a stellar set. At times, like during the closing track “A Death in London,” you feel the dramatic and theatrical swell of a committed and striving group. At other points, like opening selection “In Blood,” the grandeur of synthetic strings magnifies the track like projected slides. From start to finish, Ladytron performs more than a purely-audio piece. The wickedly curious gearheads amongst us peer at the rows of dazzling keyboards to understand their artistry. Some may be taken by drummer [NAME]’s energetic, pounding drum fills. The surprise addition of a tangible, real-deal saxophone floating above the icy synthesizers of the performance’s closing minutes is a treat that beautifully pays off the work leading up to that point.
To those familiar with Ladytron, either their remix work or unassailable studio production, enjoy the indescribable, indelible quality that live performance imparts on the work. As of 2026, KCRW has had the privilege of watching Ladytron provide new, thought-provoking, toe-tapping, head-cocking music for over 20 years. For the uninitiated, that means you’ve got homework after this.
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