Get Weird With Theophilus London (And Friendly Fires)

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 21, 2011 3:40PM

We've already outlined why we think Friendly Fires are nifty, so that should be reason enough to get your butt to The Metro this Saturday, but the additional twist of Theophilus London on the bill makes this a must-see show.

London is touring behind his debut full-length Timez Are Weird These Days, and it IS a weird little mixture of hip-hop, R&P and pop rock. Born in Trinidad but raised in Brooklyn his music inhabits the more interesting corners of pop. WHile not exactly wildly experimental, London's music contains a slickly oddball appeal. He's the nattily dressed gentlemen riding his skateboard down the street because he needs to fit in a son sponsored by The New Yorker before he hits the clubs. We're not saying the tunes are lyrically deep but they do carry on that dichotomy of scruffy sophistication.

You've probably heard the LP's breakout track "Why Even Try," featuring backing vocals from Tegan and Sara's Sara, but to our tastes the finest example of London doing what he does best is within the sexy thrust and swagger of "Wine And Chocolates." There's a deep hip thrust spearing the length of the song while the musical dressing changes and shifts to fit the mood of each particular measure or moment. It's this rooted liquidity that makes Timez Are Weird These Days such an enjoyable listen time after time.

So, between London, Friendly Fires and, oh yeah, Chicago's own Only Children onstage at The Metro you can expect to practice every one of your dance moves at some point in the evening.

Saturday, October 22, at The Metro, 3730 N Clark, 9 p.m., $20, 18+