Little Dragon Brought the Heat to Greek Theatre

Stephanie Hernandez

Swedish electronic band Little Dragon first hit the scene with their self-titled made debut album back in 2007. Since then the quartet has been making audiences move with their infectious synth-drenched dance tracks. The recent release of their fourth album, “Nabuma Rubberband,” brought these Swedes stateside to Greek Theatre May 16.

First meeting in 2006, front woman Yukimi Nagano, drummer Erik Bodin, bassist Fredrik Källgren Wallin and Keyboardist Håkan Wirenstrand met while still in high school. A then Freshman Yukimi, bonded with seniors Fredrik Wallin and Erik Bodin over their mutual love of music and soon thereafter began to plan after school jam sessions together. These meetings eventually turned into recordings and the group of friends decided to turn this hobby into a band named after Yukimi’s famed in-studio tantrums, and Little Dragon was born. Their electronic indie rock first reared its head with the release of their debut, and was followed up by their acclaimed sophomore record, “Machine Dreams” in 2009.

The group did not stop there, releasing “Ritual Union” in 2011; Little Dragon began to gain notoriety worldwide and was eventually invited by Gorrillaz creator, Damon Albarn to collaborate on their 2010’s cult classic record “Plastic Beach.” Years of hard work finally came to fruition on Little Dragon’s latest release, “Nabuma Rubberband” and has proven itself to be one, if not the most successful album for the group. Little Dragon brought their wave of good vibes to the crowd at the Greek Theatre. Opening with a rarely played track from their debut, “Test,” the audience knew they were in for quite the night. “Test” faded beautifully into the groove heavy “Killing Me.”

The evening was filled with hits from “Nabuma Rubberband,” including crowd pleasers “Klapp Klapp” and “Pretty Girls” alongside a sprinkling of old favorites like “Wink” and “Shuffle A Dream.” Little Dragon ended their eleven song set with “Only One” before chants called the quartet back onstage for an additional three song encore. The first few bars of “Nightlight” made it out before the crowd drowned out the sound with their approving cheers. “Ritual Union” the title track of their third album was next before the group officially called it a night with “Twice.”

The evening left the audience feeling alive and re-energized. Little Dragon’s new material sounded just as good, if not better live. Yukimi’s crowd interaction, chemistry with her bandmates, and ability to create a dynamic stage presence without forfeiting the group’s sound was truly something to be seen.

Little Dragon performed at Greek Theatre May 16.