The Veronicas at 7th Street Entry on 2/6/06

By: David Rachac

I understand why some music fans might be skeptical about the Veronicas. One of the biggest pop bands to emerge from Australia in 2005, the band is fronted by twin sisters Lisa and Jess Origliasso, who have been performing on stage and on TV since they were five. Signed at age 19 to an Australian production team, they were sent around the world to collaborate with songwriters who had had worked with Madonna, *NSYNC and Avril Lavigne. Shortly thereafter came a record deal with Warner Brothers/Sire for a reported $2 million, and their debut album was produced by hit-making talents who have worked with Britney Spears, Linkin Park and Kelly Clarkson. Oh yeah, and Lisa is dating Ryan Cabrera, Ashlee Simpson’s ex-boyfriend.

If this sounds to you like processed, manufactured pop pabulum ready made to be shoved down the throats of teens who yearn to be force-fed, you’re not alone. In fact, in 99% of cases like these, you’d probably be right. But the Veronicas, who performed Monday at the 7th Street Entry, are the exception to the rule, as their charm and their abbreviated, energetic set showed that their talent does not lie solely at the tips of a producer’s fingers.

Touring to support a record that hasn’t been released in the States yet (The Secret Life of The Veronicas comes out here February 14th) must be difficult, and playing in front of small crowds after playing large halls back home can be a challenge. If there was a chance of diva-like behavior erupting, the stage in front of the small audience of 100 or so at the Entry would have been the likely place. But when Lisa and Jess strode up on stage after their band launched into “Revolution,” they were taken in by the boisterous crowd who knew the lyrics to every song, and were determined to give back the love.

Musically, the power-pop sound of the Veronicas lies somewhere between Michelle Branch and Avril Lavigne: literate, radio-friendly music with sass and edge. While the album’s production is through the roof (as is production on most teen-pop albums), the songs regained some grit live; and the swagger of the two performers belied the confidence these young women have in themselves.

The singers traded off leads during practically every song, but Lisa seemed to have the huskier, stronger voice and tended to sing more, while Jess’ voice seemed thinner and higher. But as good as each singer was individually, it was the harmonies that hit you like a steamroller. Think of “Volcano Girls” by Veruca Salt, and you’ll start to get the idea – rowdy but tight, enthusiastic but totally in control.

The Veronica’s performance was also blessedly free of the “star-turn” histrionics that many singers aim squarely at the MTV TRL set – no overwrought emotional singing, no drawn-out stories about the meanings of songs. Even the semi-obligatory two-song “acoustic set” of “Speechless” and “Heavily Broken” showed off Jess’ guitar playing skills, something that could have been featured more prominently.

All told, the Veronicas played 10 of the 12 songs off their album, including a faithful cover of Tracy Bonham’s “Mother Mother.” Not forgotten, of course, were their Aussie Top Ten singles, “4Ever” (which is destined to be a hit over here) and “Everything I’m Not.”

The group tours the US for another month before heading home for another string of dates, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they were back in the US this summer. Their mix of grrrl power and crunchy pop has all the requisite fixings to be part of a perfect summer soundtrack.

Photo by David Rachac.

Location Info: 7th Street Entry
Artist Info: The Veronicas

Share this story: