photo by flipchip/lasvegasvegas.com

I swept in to the new Pearl venue at the Palms on Wednesday night to see The Noisettes perform for their first time ever in Las Vegas. This was a night of "firsts" for many of us. I've never seen an indie rock band perform, this was my first time at Pearl, and to be honest, I'd never heard of the British band from London called Noisettes until two days ago when I was given a CD entitled What's The Time Mr. Wolf.

My first impression of the CD was pretty noncommittal. I couldn't make a firm decision one way or the other, but when the three person band came bursting onto the stage, I certainly woke up. Shingai Shoniwa was a ball of energy dressed in a lime green skirt and black tights. Did she down four energy drinks, a shot of espresso, and snort a line of blow before coming out? It's quite possible, but whatever she did helped energize me because I certainly wasn't tired anymore.

photo by flipchip/lasvegasvegas.com

Indie rock is one way to describe the Noisettes, but I also picked up hints of jazz, soul, blues, pop, and disco. There's something for everyone at this show. Shoniwa knows how to work a room. She's on the floor, she's on the speakers, she's half falling off the stage, and I don't know that I've ever heard the tone in someone's voice go quite that high. I must have heard a mirror cracking in the bathroom somewhere.

Jamie Morrison on the drums was pure genius, almost spell binding. Lead guitarist Dan Smith definitely knew his way around his instrument. He was a perfect compliment to the well rounded band as I definitely picked up on the intense chemistry between him and Shoniwa.

So, if you are looking for something different, eclectic, over to the top, edgy and dramatic, go see the Noisettes live. The CD doesn't do them justice.

Editor's Note: Don't forget to check out Flipchips' photo gallery of the Noisettes.