Friendly Fires Energize Crowd in Chicago

Tuesday night at the Bottom Lounge in Chicago, Friendly Fires' support act, the XX,set a low-key tone with atmospheric melodies before Fires re-energized the crowd with their arsenal of rambunctious dance-punk. Sure, both bands are from England and are touring with critically acclaimed self-titled debuts, but that's where the similarities end. Minus recently-departed guitarist Baria Qureshi, XX quietly played through most of their album, including ambient opener 'Intro,' fresh single 'VCR,' the seductive 'Shelter' and their most popular song, 'Crystalised,' featuring lead singer Romy Madley Croft's breathy vocals. Half way through their set, bassist Oliver Sim brought told the crowd this was the nascent band's first time playing Chicago.

As soon as the Fires took to the stage to perform opener 'Lovesick,' the energy in the venue immediately shifted from tranquil to frenetic. Lead singer Ed Macfarlane began gyrating around the stage like a Chippendale dancer and would continue to flail around until the very last song. The stage lit up with flickers of light from all the cameras going off as ravaged fans fed from the band's palpable vigor. 'We're off to a good start,' Macfarlane exclaimed to the audience afterward.

The incendiary vibe continued with the following song, the band's hit 'Jump in the Pool.' The crowd shouted along to the chorus and proceeded to dance, while on new song, the tropical 'Kiss of Life' (from the deluxe edition of their record), the sax, bass and drums combo escalated the crowd into a full-blown dance party. When Fires finished their set with the disco-tinged 'Paris,' Macfarlane stated this was the best crowd he'd ever played for, which was obviously met with audience approval.

Even though he and the rest of the band were pretty tuckered out, they managed to come back for one encore, 'Ex Lover.' Macfarlane briefly traded his dancing moves for guitar playing and knob turning, but then started into spastic dances again, leaving the audience both exhausted and satisfied.