On record, the frenetic energy of saxophone-wielding Norwegian dance rock outfit Datarock would seem to be an unlikely match for the ska/dub/electro amalgamation of Esser’s debut album, Braveface. But after seeing both perform last night at the Highline Ballroom, their similarities came through loud and clear: these acts have a decidedly come-as-you-are approach, letting their eccentricities seduce the decidedly hipster audience into dropping its guard and raising its feet.
Ben Esser’s been dubbed by some as the male Lily Allen, but other than those ska influences and their determinedly British conversational vocal style, the similarities end there. He’s not as witty nor lyrically deft as Ms. Allen, but his off-kilter approach to melody and performance show a sonic adventurousness that your average pop singer could only hope for. (Need more proof? Goodie Mobb’s/Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo Green enlisted the 23-year old Brit to work on his upcoming solo album before Braveface was even released.)
Don’t let that Morrissey hairstyle and melancholy lyrics fool you: Esser knows how to have a good time—be it leaving the stage mid-set to dance and pose with audience members, introducing songs with non-sequitors, or joining headliners Datarock at the end of their set for a celebration of Patrick Swayze and Esser’s own brand new marriage. Dancing to Dirty Dancing’s “Time Of My Life” with his wife of just a few hours while surrounded by members of both bands and glasses of champagne, the evening ended on a surprisingly emotional evening for two music acts who might otherwise seem a bit too arch to actually connect with a wider audience.
Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/markysparkly/
