The Asteroids Galaxy Tour Descends Upon (le) Poisson Rouge

Sunday evenings in New York can mean a few things; the faint of heart cozy up on couches in dimly lit apartments, easing their way into the work week, while the pros go out in full force, and party like they don't have to wake up and go to work the next morning. Last night, despite the gusty winds howling outside, the throngs descended upon (le) Poisson Rouge to catch Danish six-piece The Asteroids Galaxy Tour. They last graced us with their presence at Webster Hall in November, just before Thanksgiving. Definitely a performance worth being thankful for. So too was last night’s show. The venue bustled with fans of all ages and aesthetics, attendees acutely aware of the fact that something special was about to rocket them from Manhattan to another realm. Following a quasi-performance art piece courtesy of Heloise and the Savoir Faire, complete with badass back flipping and atrocious attire, Asteroids made their way to the stage. Talk about an international sex symbol -- we can’t think of anyone more exquisitely cute as a button slash hot as hell as blonde-haired, blue-eyed lead vocalist Mette Lindberg.

The Danish dame sauntered in, her blunt cut bangs and long locks framing her delicate, rosy-cheeked, porcelain face. She wore ’50s-style, red-rimmed sunglasses to start, but removed them momentarily, connecting with the crowd. Lindberg wasn’t the only one eclectically clad. Her fellow fellas dressed the part as well, outfitted in eccentric ensembles that included sparkly cardigans, clashing patterns, scarves, hats, dangly necklaces and still more sunglasses. Needless to say, their overall other-worldly look proved a little alien, but nothing too new to New Yorkers, especially an Asteroids audience.

Far more noteworthy than their out-there garb, the band, consisting of our leading lady and five guys (namely founder Lars Iversen), played an excellent -– and perfectly timed -– set. Considering their sound, with its flourishing, robust instrumentation partnered with Lindberg’s distinct and downright sexy singing, these songs launch directly off the disc. In other words, while the MP3s are essential to every respectable iTunes library, Asteroids shine brightest in the live venue. It’s a psychedelic trip to witness them firsthand, rotating around and switching instruments (keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, bells, tambourines, saxophone, trumpet, laptop) faster than you can say “Take me to your leader.”

They opened with the slower-than-most “Hero,” a stellar showcase for Lindberg’s range. Call us crazy, but her voice proves at times vaguely reminiscent of Macy Gray’s. In any case, the wind instrument parts hark back to an earlier time with their ’60s vibe. Give it a listen. From here they exhausted their entire track list with a bonus number to boot -– “Inner City Blues.” And when we thought it was all over with “The Golden Age,” our favorite Danes returned to give us one last taste with the deep beat-laden “Sunshine Coolin’.” All in all it was a solid demonstration of what all concerts should strive for. Hips swaying? Check. Arms in the air? Check. Charismatic band members singing sweet tunes? Check, check.

And if you weren’t able to attend last night’s liftoff, fret not, you’re not alone. Their tour, which kicked off in Austin with SXSW on Saturday, is a limited destination exploration. Chances are they’ll be back before you know it in support of their forthcoming debut full-length record release, Fruit, due to drop in mid to late May. Until then, bookmark their MySpace page and get to know them now. That way you’ll be better prepared when they take over this spring.

LISTEN:

The Sun Ain't Shining No More - The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

The Golden Age - The Asteroids Galaxy Tour