Groove Armada at the Henry Fonda Theater, March 21st, 2010

Groove Armada at the Henry Fonda Theater, March 21st, 2010, March 21st, 2010

Apr 14, 2010 By Nick Hyman Photography by Nick Hyman Web Exclusive

Groove Armada's place in the musical echelon might not be as high as it was when "I See You Baby" seemed ubiquitous and big beat electronica was thriving. But as evidenced by this sold-out show at the Henry Fonda Theater, many still love to shake their asses to the music of Andy Cato and Tom Findlay and collaborators. Groove Armada are currently trekking around the world supporting their latest full-length, Black Light, which includes guest appearances by Bryan Ferry, Will Young, and show openers Fenech-Soler. Another album guest, the show-stealing SaintSaviour, stormed the stage looking like she walked out of Flash Gordon and masterfully delivered vocals for the majority of the tracks. The setlist consisted mostly of recent Black Light and Soundboy Rock material but also reached back for some classic songs. While the new material is certainly a more engaging '80s pastiche than the new Goldfrapp album is, it was the older big beat/downtempo songs that really got the crowd going. Bringing out the trombone for "At the River" was a nostalgic masterstroke, and unleashing "Easy" and "Superstylin'" ensured blissed-out concertgoers would have a night to remember.

While Groove Armada are keeping busy on the road, they are also curating their annual Lovebox weekend festival in East London's Victoria Park. This year's artists include a reunited Roxy Music, Grace Jones, Hot Chip, Peaches, Hercules & Love Affair, Dizzee Rascal, and many more. (www.groovearmada.com, www.lovebox.net)