THE LUXURY, Live at Middle East (Downstairs), May 4th, '07

“I hadn’t heard any of these bands before tonight,” announced The Luxury’s lead singer, Jason Dunn, mid-set, “and it’s great to be blown away.” Indeed, the British Accents’ Anniversary event at the Middle East Downstairs definitely blew away the audience as well. Hipsters and anglophiles alike were treated to four stellar bands: Boston-based The Luxury, White Rabbits and Ra Ra Riot (both from New York), and The Cribs from England.

With Oasis-like confidence and a Britpop-inspired sound, The Luxury blasted their tunes through the packed venue. The lads brought raw, honest energy to the stage, rocking out while maintaining an even pace and tight sound. Their strong presence supported the upbeat tunes and huge sound, ultimately delivering an engaging performance that had the crowd whooping and dancing. Dunn’s spot-on vocals soared through The Middle East during the high-impact “Seven Stories” from the band’s latest album, This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things. Demonstrating their impressive musical range, The Luxury seamlessly shifted into their anthem, “Rockets and Wrecking Balls,” channeling The Verve via heartfelt vocal melodies and masterful guitar, bass and drums.

- Miriam Lamey