November 28, 2006 - Basil Exposition's line, "Women wanted him, and men wanted to be him", in Austin Powers is an excellent description of the elusive 'it' factor for rock front men. Based on freelance writer Chad Grischow's report from The Sounds show, flipping the words men and women would give you a perfect picture of the explosive front woman for Swedish rockers The Sounds.

Headliner: The Sounds
Opening Act: Assassins / Shiny Toy Guns
When: 6:30 pm, Sunday, November 26 2006
Where: Metro, Chicago, IL
Ticket Price: $17.50



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Following a sloppy and aggressive opening set by newcomers Shiny Toy Guns and thumping set-bridge music by local DJ Tommy Sunshine, The Sounds' opening song, "Night After Night", felt subdued. Thankfully, the laid-back feeling would not last long, as blonde firecracker Maja Ivarsson roared to life at the first hint of Felix Rodriguez's scratchy chords to kick-start "Queen Of Apology". Stalking from one stage to the next like a lioness stalking her prey, Ivarsson has a stage presence that makes her impossible to ignore.

It was clear by the time the band got to jumpy "Seven Days A Week", the crowd was in retro rock heaven; jumping and shouting along through the high-powered set. The energetic play of the band makes a concert with The Sounds feel like a party that you are not quite sure you want to go to, but when you get there, you end up having the time of your life, and question why you ever had doubts.

A menacing Ivarsson stomped around the stage taunting the crowd throughout the double-dog-daring "Hit Me!" As enthralling as the music is at a Sounds show, there is little doubt that Ivarsson is the star. As engaging, volatile, and charismatic as a rock lead singer should be she has so much machismo and confidence that it makes you completely forget her diminutive size. As she explained prior to the set closing "Ego", "Tonight I'm f*cking full of it!" True enough, but her wink and smile keeps her from becoming obnoxiously cocky, making her one of the best rock lead singers around, male or female.

Whether on the charged-up "Painted By Numbers" or the barbed "Fire", The Sounds made sure that energy was not in short supply, fuelling rabid fans with passionate play and the focused intensity of Ivarsson. The venomous "Hope You're Happy Now" cranked the heat up a bit, with Ivarsson firing off furious vocals before writhing on the ground in front of Rodriguez; eventually sealing the bitter tune with a kiss.

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Despite their over 200 shows performed this year, The Sounds brought a fire and enthusiasm that made it feel like the first show of the tour; turning the venue into more of a party than a concert. By the end of the hour-plus show, The Sounds had torn through just about every song in their two-album catalogue. The rabid fans would have been just fine if fiery front-woman Maja ran off stage, grabbed a phone book and just started reading it; she has that special magnetic energy that makes it nearly impossible to take your eyes off her, and always leaves you wanting more.

Set List:
"Night After Night"
"Queen Of Apology"
"Dance With Me"
"Seven Days A Week"
"Hit Me!"
"24 Hours"
*"Goodbye '70s"
"Tony The Beat"
"Mine For Life"
"Much Too Long Now"
"Painted By Numbers"
"Fire"
"Rock'n Roll"
"Hope You're Happy Now"
"Ego"

Encore:
"Don't Want To Hurt You"
"Song With A Mission"
"Living In America"

*The Zoo cover