Review by Dave Anastasi

MySpace.com periodically puts together free Secret Shows that generally feature indie bands at venues across the states. Previous shows have featured the likes of The Killers, James Blunt, Franz Ferdinand, and Pretty Girls Make Graves. Last night, it was The Rapture's turn.

After the doors opened, it became clear to us that they're not kidding when they refer to these shows as Secret. The band didn't take to the stage until the 200-capacity club was half full (unfortunately for us, that took two hours). By comparison, The Rapture played to a packed house at Avalon (capacity: 2000) when they visited Boston earlier this year. But, though the crowd's numbers were lacking, its energy and enthusiasm certainly wasn't. And, it was nice to see the band in such an intimate setting (even if it is the Middle East Downstairs).

If you're not familiar with The Rapture, they've got a nice brand of rock with disco beats, a la LCD Soundsystem and !!! (chk chk chk). Think The Killers but grittier, edgier, and more danceable. And, as I found out last night, they're one of those bands in which the live experience trumps the studio work. On paper, The Rapture looks like a one-trick pony. Most of their songs hover around 120 beats-per-minute, and feature a typical four-on-the-floor disco beat. But, in a live setting, the songs really come to life.

This was one of their first shows in support of their new album Pieces Of The People We Love (released today). They drew songs mainly from that album and their fantastic 2003 effort Echoes to make up a high-octane set filled with irresistible dance beats.

This band really looked like it was having at least as much fun as the crowd. Luke Jenner belts out those Robert Smith-like high notes with his whole body, Vito Roccoforte beats his drums like a machine, and Gabriel Andruzzi dances with his saxophone like, well... a snake hopped up on Parliament records. Concertgoers fed off their energy, and, though the Middle East is more conducive to bouncing than dancing, that didn't seem to stop anyone from shaking their hips.

The show's highlights included the explosive Heaven, the infectious Get Myself Into It, and fan-favorite House Of Jealous Lovers.

The Rapture will be back in Boston this fall on November 1st for a show at Axis, a club more appropriate for their brand of dance-inducing rock. Don't miss it!