The explosive, psychedelic big-band sound of THE ASTEROIDS GALAXY TOUR tore through The Hoxton on Monday, February 6th.

Led by principle members Mette Lindberg and Lars Iversen, the six-piece touring band unveiled new songs from the Asteroids’ Out of Frequency LP released this Jan. 31st, but for fans seeing the band live for the first time, this show offered a little bit more.

Going into the show I expected a performance that relied on synths and effects to transmit the band’s acid-pop sentiment but I was surprised by the product delivered.

Brazen horns, both saxophone and trombone, revealed a jazzy soul to the Asteroids that might have otherwise been overshadowed on studio recordings. This quality added further depth to an already elaborate sound and gave something extra to slower pieces during the downswings of the show.

As expected, the setlist itself was heavy-hitting and lead vocalist Mette Lindberg delivered the ticket with striking and exuberant vocals.

Outfitted in sparkling gold pants and a silver top, the charismatic bombshell danced her way through selections from all three of the bands albums, including the popular and acclaimed singles “Around The Bend” and “The Golden Age”.

It was pleasing to see that the Asteroids weren’t just entertainers, but talented and dynamic musicians.

Tracks like “Lady Jesus” and “Out of Frequency” unrolled an abounding sound that filled the venue – the latter tune being complete with a flute-solo.

The songs that received the loudest cheers were the aforementioned and highly broadcasted “Around The Bend” and “The Golden Age” – featured in early iPod touch and recent Heineken television ads, respectively.

However, a technical hiccup gave attentive fans an unexpected treat. When the band’s guitarist had to repair a broken string between songs, Lindberg wondered into a heavenly, organ-backed ad lib number that would find itself at home in the shoegaze genre.

The Hoxton was a great venue for the high-energy show and Lindberg took advantage of the room’s layout, singing to the audience that crowded stage-left as well as those fans reaching out to her at center stage. This egalitarian love was definitely appreciated by the diverse audience that filled The Hoxton.

Middle-aged parents and youthful hipsters alike were scattered throughout and nodding their heads in-sync, a statement to the reach and relevancy of the Asteroids’ music.

- Photos by DANIELA SAVONE