New band Hank And Cupcakes packed Pianos to the brim Tuesday night. The bass and drum duo roared through their set like wild things romping through a neon electro-funk jungle with the energy level of a ridiculously high intensity. The now Brooklyn-based couple formed in Tel Aviv, named themselves in reference to Charles Bukowski, and then made their pilgrimage to NYC to be inspired and inspire. If the people-filled sweat fest of a show on a Tuesday was even the slightest predilection, they’re definitely getting noticed for their extremely danceable art.

It’s just the two of them, but a full sound is there. Hank got down on the bass with so many crazy effects it sounded more like he was playing some other-worldly disco alien instrument. Cupcakes took center stage most of the time with the way she commanded the mic and beat drums standing up. The two of them added plenty of gestures and flourishes through the songs, because they were probably blowing their own minds much in the same way they hook the crowd. Their obvious connection doesn’t hurt either. If Hank wasn’t looking down to step on pedals or playing to the crowd, his eyes were locked on Cupcakes; who would also take time to jump out from behind the kit and shimmy up to him for a few fleeting beats. At one point she came out and around in front of the drum kit to play it facing backwards, which was brilliant.

She also told us that they had just shot a video for the song “Ain’t No Love,” and they were also really excited about their first full length due out soon. They of course played “Ain’t No Love,” along with their single “Sweet Potion” from their EP released this past fall. They played one ballad, without percussion so Cupcakes could sing from the edge of the stage while doing some slight belly dance moves. Ballads may not be their forte, as her voice really sounds the best when belted, but they still owned it and then went straight back to the dance beats. They ended on “HIT,” with cupcakes repeating “you tell me I don’t have a hit / well guess what / this is it,” with all the punk spunk attitude and confidence to make it true. This band does what they do and they do it well.

Since almost none of their YouTube videos really do their live show enough justice, it’s a good thing Hank & Cupcakes have way more shows through the beginning of April, including a Brooklyn play at Brooklyn Bowl April 3. See all dates, and check their tweets.

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