Free Energy, Spanish Moon, Baton Rouge, LA

This is a night of rock’n’roll; from the 1950’s sound of The Postelles to the 1970/80’s sound of Free Energy. It’s a journey through rock history by way of the modern era. However powerful the influences shine through, the music is anything but dated; both bands are able to interpret the best parts of their decade, without cliche.

The Postelles lead singer, Daniel Balk, sounds like Elvis Costello (before he got all lounge singery), but moves across the stage like Mick Jagger; jauntily bouncing all over. Their live performance has buoyancy rarely attained elsewhere. There is a stereotype of New Yorkers; that we (they) can be cool, cynical and aloof, this is not the case with The Postelles. Every move proves they are having the time of their lives. It certainly helps that their music evokes a kinder age; one where drinking and dancing were the sins of the day.

In the rather small, but extremely enthusiastic crowd around the stage, are the members of Free Energy - tapping their feet, smiling. This is pretty emblematic of the relationship between the two bands; they seem to really like hanging out with each other, interacting while performing. The relationship between Free Energy and The Postelles helps create an air of homeyness, a feeling that we are all hanging out and there just happens to be some freaking kick ass music going on.

Free Energy continue that energy. Though they don’t bound onto the stage, or storm it, they certainly command attention. The crowd surge forward, dancing wildly to the music and creating an exuberant vibe in the venue. Every single tune is treated with the same enthusiasm as their single ‘Bang Pop’. Each member has a stage presence that forces you to pay attention; they interact with each other with a comfort that can only come from years of creating together. They know exactly what each other is thinking without saying a thing.

As they say, rock’n’roll is dance music, and they certainly turn the venue into exactly that: a gigantic dance party. The whole joint is jumpin’. Seeing a band happy and enjoying themselves is so satisfying. Coming back on to play ‘Funky Town’, singer Paul Spranger grabs members of the audience, pulling them on stage to end the night. Certainly, a good time is had by all.