The Sounds electrify Hawthorne Theater Oct 28

October 26, 12:14 AMPortland Local Music ExaminerChris Young

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This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that The Sounds are dubbed the modern reincarnation of Blondie.  It just works.

A sexy, blonde diva?  Check.   Backed by her skinny, new wave boys?  Check.  Sewing infectious synthesized dance jams between the occasional romance-laden ballad?  Check.  Live at the Hawthorne Theater on Wednesday, October 28th?  Check.

Following the tradition of explosive Swedish rock acts, The Sounds, lead by knockout Maja Ivarsson, radiate vivacious heat on stage.  Chic and feisty, Maja's powerful voice provides the soul behind the group's peppy indie blend.

2009 marks a decade together, their third album Crossing the Rubicon, and Maja's continued challenge to all the Blondies out there: "I want to be the best female vocalist around... of at least this century." 

Crossing the Rubicon sees The Sounds mellow out their frenetic pace with a few moody, melancholic tracks like the album's first single "No One Sleeps When I'm Awake."  But don't fear, the downtempo will give you a breather and time to get lubed up with another Champagne of Beers before blowing an effervescent cork as the band rips through another sweaty, hyperactive dance set.

So you decide who will be remembered: NYC's originator Debbie Harry or new school, Swede Maja Ivarsson?  My vote goes to Maja's looks and moxie today while she lays the legacy for tomorrow.

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Sounds
Foxy Shazam
Semi Precious Weapons
Hawthorne Theater : 1507 SE 39th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97214
Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM
Cost : $15 advance, $18 day of show
All ages