MP3: Suuns – “Arena”

At San Diego’s House of Blues last Thursday, Suuns wowed the crowd with their chaotic mix of danceable beats and supernatural sounds.

Opening for uber-hip electronic duo Crystal Castles, the Montreal band played songs from their debut LP, Zeroes QC, including singles “Arena,” “Up Past the Nursery,” and one of the weirdest and best album openers you’ll hear this year, “Armed for Peace.”

The performance had a polarizing affect on the crowd; after 45-minutes of experimental indie dance music, Suuns newbies alternately praised the group and sighed with relief because the ordeal had ended. There is no denying that it takes an open mind to understand the band, but just as Suuns allowed their songs to mature for three years before committing them to record, a more than cursory listen may be needed to appreciate what the band has to offer.

Debate over the accessibility of Suuns notwithstanding, more than a few minds were blown by the band’s high-energy set and downright novel sound.

Note: Crystal Castles did not allow photos during their set, so none were taken.

Photos – Suuns at House of Blues – March 3, 2011