When Uh Huh Her took the stage Wednesday night at the Fillmore in New York City, the audience, filled with extreme Leisha Hailey fans and electro-pop enthusiasts alike, roared. There was a palpable anticipation in the air. For many, the monumental event of seeing their idol Leisha, A.K.A. Alice of “L Word” fame, in front of their very own eyes, may have trumped the music in some respects.
Openers The Fashion were a killer surprise. While we may not have expected six new wave punk “dudes†from Denmark to start the show, I’m happy they did. They were energetic, riotous, and kind of funky with their “I’m seriously feeling it!†dance moves, getting everyone in the mood for a good time. After their set, they spent the rest of the night hanging out at the merch table talking to girls and drinking beer. I wonder…do they even know who Leisha Hailey is?
Soon after The Fashion finished, Leisha took the stage donning a cute-as-can-be 1940s-esque black bowler hat, waving to fans and gushing over New York City. Band mate Camila Grey, adorned in an 80s silver lame top, a sparkling bass, and super high heels, rarely met the crowd with her eyes, and is definitely the dark side to Hailey’s bright disposition. The love for Leisha was certainly in the air, with “You’re hot!†being hollered every few minutes. For those of us who were there as both fans of Alice and Uh Huh Her, the band did not disappoint.
The girls played most of the songs off of their debut full-length album, Common Reaction, staying true to the synth-pop allure of the album. The songs, a hybrid of sorts—electro, glam, indie-pop, throwback, hard hitting beats and an expansive, futuristic sound—created a fun, danceable, and infectious vibe. For an album heavy on production and engineering, the music translated surprisingly well to the live format.
They spoke just a few times to the audience, mentioning something about a run-in, picketers, and Leisha confessing: “Virginia needs help, guys.†Highlights included the hits “Not a Love Song†and “Explode,†which the crowd did. If Uh Huh Her continues to evolve, playing with old and new sounds and textures, honoring the unique backgrounds that each musician brings to the band, I don’t think they will be playing intimate venues like the Fillmore for much longer.
Words: Reni Papananias
Photos: Dese’Rae Stage. More at flickr.
