NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: Ladytron performs at Irving Plaza Stage // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
This past September, 20th, Liverpool based electronic synth-pop band, Ladytron, performed at Irving Plaza. Located in Gramercy Park, the music venue was the band’s New York City stop on their multi-city North American tour promoting the release of their album Time’s Arrow. The album was released earlier this year, and received much praise including postive reviews from Uncut Magazine and Rolling Stone as “Top Albums of 2023”.
I got a chance to view this eclectic, well-loved band in person.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: Ladytron performs at Irving Plaza Stage // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
After a busy day hopping around the city, a quick coffee and a slice of pizza was all the prep needed before the set. The crowd of fans was plentiful, many over the age of 40, showing just how dedicated their veterans are.
It felt like I stumbled across the calmest yet still most passionate fan-base. Packed to the brim, everyone was polite and evenly spread out amongst the minimal available space. It wasn’t too different from crown-shyness seen in trees effortlessly sharing space together without touching. It felt like I stumbled across the calmest yet still most passionate fanbase.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: Ladytron performs at Irving Plaza Stage // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
A couple of Liquid Death waters in, I was prepared for an opening band. In actuality, it was a DJ, playing avant-garde experimental music. The set was a mix of spooky beats, sounds akin to wacky old-school robotic machines, a barcode scanner, and the sound of the McDonald’s fryer machine. After an hour it was time for the DJ’s set to end, but not before enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Ladytron opened with City of Angels from the new album, the song starting before the stage was even fully lit. The set was a mix of ethereal pop beats that emitted like a pulsating wave over the crowd. The flickering lights for the stage setup created an atmosphere where you had to focus on the music rather than member Helen Marnie singing on the stage.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: Ladytron performs at Irving Plaza Stage // Photos by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
The sharp contrasted lights from across the room formed an intense shadow that almost looked like it was performing as a separate sentient being.
The crowd seemed immersed in a soft kind of love. Calm instead of ecstatic movements, but inside we all probably felt the same. By the time Misery Remember Me came on, an intense emotion filled me. Perhaps in everyone else as well. Helen Marnie’s siren-like voice echoing around the room felt celestial and soul-changing. The songs were sweetly melancholic in feeling, nostalgic at its core and finally forward looking.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: Ladytron performs at Irving Plaza Stage // Photos by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
Like mourning a death and a rebirth at the same time, the words and melody mingled in a way that hit you emotionally and by surprise. Sharp flickering lights forced you to close your eyes at times and listen rather than get lost gazing at her as heart-rending music echoed inescapably around the atrium. The crowd was enthusiastic and entirely respectful, basking in the warming glow as the music washed over them.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: Ladytron performs at Irving Plaza Stage // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
While Ladytron is listed as pop, to me, I felt this performance and album to be more goth. The music felt slightly melancholic, yet hopeful – like it was soothing an old wound with a sense of wonder and romance, appreciating the past while honoring its momentos.
With its deep self-reflective themes, the music was reminiscent of fellow UK based goth bands The Cure, Siouxee and The Banshees and Toronto-based goth synth-pop band, The Birthday Massacre.
It was a truly, emotionally elevating experience to witness Ladytron live. The fan-base is like no other. The room was filled with love, passion, and support. I loved seeing so many veterans, and to my surprise, it looked like around 80% of the audience was male ( counted by the many bald heads and gray hair reflecting light ). I felt honored to take part in this experience with so many others who have loved Ladytron for much longer than me.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: Ladytron performs at Irving Plaza Stage // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
You can experience Ladytron for yourself this coming November in multiple cities in Texas and Mexico City for the rest of their North American Tour.
Enjoy some truly wonderful music.
Until next time~
