Concert Review: The Ting Tings at the House of Blues (October 17)

by Brenna Rushing

The Pontiac Garage is the smaller room at the House of Blues that isn’t used very often. Most bands play at the main stage, so this room stays vacant. But tonight the Ting Tings filled it up with a sold-out crowd.

The Ting Tings are a duet band from Britain who is taking the country by storm. We Started Nothing, their solo album came out May 19. The silent yet steady Jules De Martino and energetic Katie White make up the band, playing every instrument needed.

The crowd is not as urban as expected. There are a lot of middle school kids with parents and then the infamous girls in heels (why…?). The indie rock groups are there, but peppered throughout instead of dominating.

The Hit started off the night with a short set. The boy band meets pop rock showed their desire to be heard. Their sound resembles Boys Like Girls without the tear jerking emotions. Lead singer Kade Holloway informed us that this was only their sixth show. For being such babies, their stage presence was great. Either the sound guys or Kade need to work on vocals, they weren’t up to par. After a 20-minute set the wait began for the Ting Tings.

The second the petite blonde stepped onto the stage the mood was set. Instead of a show it was a party. TT’s music makes you want to dance in a way you normally wouldn’t want anyone to see. Their beats are consistently fast and powerful, and the vocals keep it flowing.

Jules keeps the beats alive while Katie does everything else. Literally. She plays two different guitars, a keyboard, a gigantic drum, and a cowbell. Throughout the show she would get handed different instruments, sometimes in the middle of songs.

They opened with “We Walk,” and brought in “Great DJ” shortly after. “Great DJ” has been played on numerous teen shows so everyone knew it. Since the groups’ album is only ten tracks, they were able to play most of it.

“Traffic Light” is their only slow song, so when Katie began singing it reduced the intensity. This song shows her diversity because it doesn’t have a lot of background noise. It really depends on her vocals and pitch. Singing it live only makes it sound better.

A major dance party erupted on “Shut Up and Let Me Go.” This is another single for the pop culture fans, it’s been somewhere on TV (where that may be I have no clue.) They saved it for the last song before the encore.

One of the best songs of the night, “That’s Not My Name,” was last. The song brings in their humorous side and a catchy chorus. Anyone can sing along to it, fueling the flames of the singers at the show. Ya, ya I might have sung too.

Hats off to the The Hit for doing such a good job so early, and for having to come up against such a great headliner. Since the Ting Tings are British they may not be around again soon. Check them out on TV; you’re going to catch their undeniable mix of heavy beats with Katie’s perky voice.

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