The Rapture @ Mayan Theater, 7/25/07

The Rapture put out one of the more surprising albums of last year. Pieces of the People We Love was a continued refinement of the NYC quartet’s electro-punk sound mixed with an unexpected equal measure of 70’s rock and funk. This was one album where no listener at the end asked for more cowbell. Fans of the first LP may long for The Rapture’s more angular sound and whatever musical importance it contained in that sound. What the latest album provides in lieu of their early sound is an opportunity to completely lose oneself to the groove. And let go was exactly what the crowd did at Downtown LA venue and Mesoamerican recreation, The Mayan. Keeping the energy going, bassist Matt Safer and guitarist Luke Jenner deftly traded vocal duties throughout the night. Multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Andruzzi hopped from keyboard to cowbell, then sax while showing off his manic funky chicken-like dance. Percussionist Vito Roccoforte held everything together with a tight, driving beat. Who says people don’t dance any more?