Electric Guest at Rough Trade East

Electric Guest played at Rough Trade East as part of their UK tour, which has included supporting fellow stateside band Darwin Deez. The LA double-act responsible for the indie-soul grooves of 2012 debut album Mondo consists of singer Asa Tacconne and drummer Matthew (“Cornbread”) Compton. Mondo was produced by Danger Mouse – family friend of Tacconne and one half of the American soul duo Gnarles Barkley.

Their showbiz connections might explain some of the buzz about this group (Tacccone is also the younger brother of Jorma Taccone, songwriter for comedy troupe The Lonely Island), but ultimately this is a very tight setup in its own right. On stage, the pair enlists the services of brothers Todd and Tory Dahlhoff who play bass, keyboards and guitar between them.

To set proceedings off, the diminutive singer acknowledged Rough Trade for championing his band, helping them to achieve notoriety and success in the UK. Electric Guest are not only tidy but also instantly infectious live. They have a well-packaged exterior that has been processed and cultivated into something that claims to be indie-rock, but may just be pop. From the get-go, the sound in the venue was clear and crisp – a surprise considering early arrivals at the venue would have heard the group’s quick sound check only moments before they were due to play.

Tracks like The Bait, Amber and Awake had the crowd grooving to Electric Guest’s take on 60s California soul. The band emits an on-stage vibe in which they visibly enjoy their own performance – and it’s contagious. Taccone is commercially accessible enough to attract attention on his own, bubbling with his own brand of charisma. His sweet vocal and cute song writing is likeable and simple to digest.

Electric Guest are a neatly manufactured, deliberately light-hearted four-piece: compact enough to sit in your pocket and well earthed as the antidote for a craving for bubble-gum pop. The band ended the set with their marquee single, The Head I Hold, and album opener Holes. Both remind you of the pleasant nature of Mondo and the well-rehearsed production behind the group. There is also a degree of substance, proven in this impressive live display.

Verdict: •••

Samuel Mensah

Photos: Alex Gur-Dudek

For further information about Electric Guest and future tour dates visit here.

Watch the video for The Bait here: