Last night, South Africa’s and BestNewBands.com’s favorite sons (and former Artists in Residence) The Parlotones played the sold-out Mercury Lounge in New York City for an early show. I checked in early for The Parlotones’ soundcheck, examination of their new merch (a black and red Parlotones t-shirt!) and I got to say hello to the band, who are fun, legitimately nice guys. I was also able to meet Sebastian, winning commenter of the BestNewBands.com’s NYC Parlotones ticket giveaway.

XYLOS opened up with a poppy, dream-like set. The crunchy tightness of their sporadic lead guitar riffs coupled with the howl of the two female lead vocalists and male bassist make them impossible to ignore. After giving away their EP, Bedrooms for free in 2009, the native New Yorkers will be releasing their debut album on April 5^th.. The band will continue to support The Parlotones before heading to SXSW, and will return home with a performance at The Bowery Electric for their album release party on April 15^th. Joined by a cowbell, a tambourine and of course, a xylophone, the band performed tracks from that debut record, including their single, “Darling Dearest.”

The Parlotones greeted the South African flag-draped and waving fans with songs from their illustrious, multi-platinum career, including anthemic ballads and rock gems like “Giant Mistake,” “Brighter Side of Hell,” “Life Design” and “Beautiful.” Mixing it up with an acoustic and electric guitar, lead singer Kahn Morbee made the most of the tightness of the Mercury Lounge, showcasing his nimble footwork and dance moves while adding an element of class to the set with his showmanship.

The Parlotones are truly memorizing live, and I felt privileged to be up in front hearing the songs that have charmed so many for so long, as throngs of people from all over New York, and the world, enveloped me and sang along.

The band continues their trek through North America with a stop in Toronto on March 10, before hitting the Midwest and West Coast of the U.S. Check out The Parlotones’ site for more information, and go and catch the four piece while they’re in your neck of the woods!