The Lizard Lounge has to be one of the coolest venues I have ever been to. Imagine a 1920’s rail car station which has hosted a dinner theater and strip club. It is gothic and intimate with stained glass, couches, and a balcony close enough you can almost jump from the second floor directly onto the stage. A monstrous crystal chandelier, said to be the original, overhangs the small dance pit directly in front of the stage. The stage is almost eye level with the fans. As I waited for the show to begin I polled those on the front row about who they came to see. “The Sounds” they said. Before The Sounds would take the stage, Morningwood was called on to get the party started. After being warmed up by the instrumental intro to “Goodmorningwood,” Chantel Claret emerged from backstage and climbed into the elevated go-go dancer platform and began her gyrations… and the crowd went nuts! Chantal had the audience in the palm of her hand from the first moment. On several occasions she jumped into the crowd, whipping up the frenzy to fever pitch, and making sure she and the band did not lose their grip. When the band went into “Take Off Your Clothes” the bras started flying onto the stage. Who would be the lucky person in the crowd picked to come up on stage? It was a tall, beautiful girl with dirty blond hair who became Chantal’s “toy” as she enveloped herself in the girls dress. The performance was provocative and full of sexual tension causing one audience member to remark she was going to have to go to the bathroom afterwards and “relieve herself.” To finish things off, the band rocked through some fan favorites, including “Jettsetter” and “NTH Degree.” This was one of the best live performances I have ever experienced.
I thought to myself how can The Sounds go on after that? Well, I wasn’t disappointed. Maja Ivarsson came out in a sexy mini black dress and within minutes dove onto the platform of hands which lifted her up in adoration. Maja worked the crowd well and at one point also brought an audience member onto the stage after planting a big kiss on her. The Sounds were an excellent band, very European yet reminiscent of Blondie. ” I’m Not Living In America” is a bonafide hit from their first record. The new material included “Song With A Mission” ,”Ego” and “Night After Night.” All were catchy pop tunes with a little punk flavor.
Action Action opened the night with their new sound of dance rock anthems. This was a much stronger performance than several months ago. I think all three bands are pushing each other every night to the benefit of all in attendance. This is a tour not to be missed. Be sure to ask Chantal and Maja to show you the new tattoos they got while in Dallas.
