By Jodi Root

With the WAVVES set on Friday, I decided to check Ladytron’s second night in Chicago on Saturday at the Metro. I thought I’d be safe arriving to the venue at 7:00 pm, but apparently I was mistaken—all ages show start on the minute as scheduled—so thanks to my niece’s delayed Hannah Montana movie screening, I was jipped out of Telepathe’s opening set which I had been stoked for. (Did anyone else make this? It couldn’t have lasted longer than 30 minutes, right?) I walked into Ladytron’s set fifteen minutes into their 75 minute set, so at least I didn’t miss out on this as well. . .

The venue was packed full of smiley, dancey teenagers, some probably at their first concert. The energy was enthusiastic and took me back to my own high school days at shows—before I had to start shelling out $6 for a party cup of Miller Lite. Expensive drinks and my tardiness aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the remainder of Ladytron’s set. I had caught these guys last time they were in town this past summer at the Vic, shortly after the release of Velocifero, so I had an idea of what was in store.

The sign on the venue’s door indicating “Intense Strobe Light Presentation” was on the mark; cool blue hues and warm red shadows illuminated the stage; as intermediate bright white flashes of strobe action dominated the stage. Pretty much like what you’d envision what Ladytron’s music should look like—a flashy, electronic dance haven.

The set list was a balanced mix of new and old material—with highlights including Light and Magic’s “Seventeen,” “Tomorrow,” “International Dateline” and Velocifero’s “I’m Not Scared,” “Seasons of Illusion,” and “Ghosts.” The show closed with “Destroy Everything You Touch,” which got the kids to their feet as they swayed under the whirring bubble machine. How precious.

The sound quality rocked and so did Ladytron—the kids ate that shit up and much dancing was had by all. I’m bummed I missed Telepathe this go around but I’ll just be patient until they hit up the Empty Bottle on their headlining tour this summer. Did anyone catch the Friday night set of this show? What were your highlights? Thoughts on headliners The Faint?

Myspace: Ladytron