Chromeo And Their Leggy Synths Freaked The Party Last Week At The National

by | May 20, 2014 | MUSIC

If you ever wanted to see a band that made you dance so hard you could barely walk the next day, Chromeo is for you. Last Tuesday night, they straight freaked The National with their undeniably danceable sound, adorable choreography, and killer light show.


If you ever wanted to see a band that made you dance so hard you could barely walk the next day, Chromeo is for you. Last Tuesday night, they straight freaked The National with their undeniably danceable sound, adorable choreography, and killer light show.

While the night as a whole ended on a high note, it started a bit sour due to the fact the opening act was sort of a mystery. There was nothing listed on our tickets or The National website and whoever the DJ was that came out did not do any sort of introduction. Through some detective work I came to the conclusion that the unidentified man was Oliver. However, the act was listed as a duo and I only saw one dude and a Mac Book Pro. Confused? So were we. His lackluster set didn’t help the impatient audience either. We wanted Chromeo, damn it!

Not even 5 minutes after Oliver’s exit, the crowd started chanting the legendary “Chro-me-oh, oh, oh.” Unfortunately, this was a bit premature as we waited almost an additional half hour for Chromeo to take the stage. But damn, take the stage they did! P-Thugg rocked his traditional streetwear alongside Dave 1 in his classic skinny jeans and leather jacket, as they dominated The National with their blend of pop, rock, and electronic sexiness; light-up leg synthesizers included.

The audience, a huge sweaty dance party, sang, clapped, and shook their asses the entire 75-minute set. While Chromeo played a handful of songs from their new album, White Women–released just the day before–the concert was a perfect mix of fan favorites. The ever-popular two-stepping “Fancy Footwork” and my personal anthem, “Needy Girl,” both made the cut. “Jealous,” the most popular single from White Women, ended their set. However, our “Chro-me-oh, oh, oh” chant returned, more properly timed than before, as did the band. Their encore included an extended version of “Don’t Turn The Lights On” and the funky “You’re So Gangsta.”

The duo made a point to say that this is only their second time in Richmond and that there were a lot more people in attendance this time around. Dave 1 even said, “We love you Richmond. I would even say we bonafied love you!” At that point the crowd went insane as Chromeo broke into their hit “Bonafied Loving.”

If you get a chance to catch Chromeo on this tour, do it! Their energetic show will have you a hot sweaty dancing mess in no time. Also, I would personally like to hold Dave 1 to his promise of returning to Richmond. Ya know what I’m saying?!? Call me up, Dave 1. This “sexy socialite” will make you come alive!

Marilyn Drew Necci

Marilyn Drew Necci

Former GayRVA editor-in-chief, RVA Magazine editor for print and web. Anxiety expert, proud trans woman, happily married.




more in music

Infinite Expansions: A Conversation with Lonnie Liston Smith

Exclusive Q&A with Lonnie Liston Smith below. Today was a good day. This very magazine’s Landon Shroder invited me to interview one of Richmond’s real living legends, jazz impresario Lonnie Liston Smith. On September 13, they will be screening selections from the...

What the Hell is VITCO? We Went to Find Out.

Editor’s Note: This story was produced in partnership with Virginia Transit Company (VITCO). There are few large-ish pieces of real estate in the city proper that have been more screaming for development than the fallow field bordered by Clay Street and Hermitage...

RVA Live Music | Palmyra, Joey Cash, Jo Passed

Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit us up at griffin@rvamag.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5HUKi8y13k Palmyra with Joseph Terrell, Nabeel, ShagwufAugust 20-22nd at The Camel Virginia natives Palmyra are...

RVA Live Music | Which Side Are You On Fest, Drug Country, ShotClock

Lotta bands on these bills so I hope you see one you like. Got some really good and impactful benefit shows this weekend so if you got some time and a few bucks it goes a long way to a lot of people. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music?...

Cosmic Jazz Legend Lonnie Liston Smith is Returning to Richmond

Just announced: Cosmic Echo Live, taking place at the historic Hippodrome Theatre on September 13, will celebrate the life, music, and legacy of Richmond-born cosmic jazz icon Lonnie Liston Smith. The event will feature live performances, stories from across his...

Phish Announces Two-Night Richmond Run at Allianz Amphitheater

Phish is bringing its legendary live show back to Richmond for the first time in more than three decades. The Vermont jam band has announced an eight-show October tour that includes a two-night stop at Allianz Amphitheater on October 6 and 7. Richmond is one of just...