CMJ Music Marathon 2012: Icona Pop Light Up Santos Party House

Sam Lansky | October 19, 2012 2:47 pm

Listening to Icona Pop from a speaker or headphones feels more than adequate: The Swedish dance-pop duo’s pummeling beats and celebratory lyrics make them the party soundtrack everyone can agree on. But the experience of seeing them live is incomparable, if only because their production style is so electrifying. Flashing beams of neon light penetrated the dark room as the girls — Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo — performed last night (October 18) at Santos Party House, where they played as part of Neon Gold’s New Shapes showcase for CMJ 2012. Their show was like the coolest disco you’ve never been to.

Their lead single “I Love It” was an obvious highlight, but then again, everything they performed from their most recent Iconic EP was thrilling. “A big thanks to the guy who broke my heart — I fucking love it!” Hjelt yelled at one point. So do we.