LIVE REVIEW: The Royal Concept + Thee Rain Cats @ Constellation Room, Santa Ana 8/20/12

Local openers Thee Rain Cats warmed up the crowd with their self-described technicolor rock. The quartet’s sound conjured up thoughts of what Animal Collective might sound like if they had existed in the 1960s, when psychedelia reigned the airwaves.

As empty spots filled in, The Royal Concept inconspicuously took the stage. Toe-headed frontman David Larson stepped up to the mic clad in a leather jacket, his guitar strapped to his back. Swishing his hair back and forth while stomping his feet, Larson exhibited a magnetic energy that had every audience member immediately entranced. Supported by guitarist Filip Bekic, bassist Magnus Robert, and drummer Frans Povel, the band really got the crowd swaying.

Despite drawing skeptical claims from critics that the band’s tunes sound suspiciously similar to French rockers Phoenix, their live performance gives off a totally unique vibe. For their second show in the US, The Royal Concept already had girls front row swooning over Larson’s every movement. Each member exuded an energy and charisma that will definitely be catching the attention of pop lovers worldwide.

Click here for more photos of The Royal Concept with Thee Rain Cats at Constellation Room.