Last night, it was five degrees below in Madison. [insert a joke here about a cold night but a hot show] I mention the weather to demonstrate how devoted Madison fans are. Even with arctic temperatures, the High Noon was packed.

White Denim opened the show. I was running behind but everyone I talked to reported that they were great.

Six-member White Rabbits took the stage in their prep-boy collared shirts and v-neck sweaters. Ruddy-cheeks and carefully parted hair. Their music is counterpoint to their style. They riled up the crowd with a rambling sweaty rock sound, heavy piano and guitars – a little like the Spinto Band, but harder. They were a bit over-enthusiastic and lost a little control. But mostly, they played like headliners. If I had went home then, the night would have been complete.

Then The Walkmen showed up to remind us what true headliners sound like. They were tight and controlled. While White Rabbits seemed high-energy, The Walkmen truly poured everything out on stage. Frontman Hamilton Leithauser had reaching, screaming vocals that still managed to be Bob Dylan-esque. The Walkmen were enjoying their sub-zero time in Wisconsin, they were coming off a night in Milwaukee where they discovered shotskis.

If you wander out in true Wisconsin winter to see a show, the bands better deliver. Last night, Madison were treated to two, and probably, three bands that did not disappoint.

Myspace: The Walkmen
Myspace: White Rabbits
Myspace: White Denim

(travis)