CHROMEO / RIC WILSON - BOSTON, MA 10.16.2023

Oct 25

Photos and Words By Maria A. Mata

Funk extraordinaires Chromeo got the party started at a packed Roadrunner on Tuesday night, joined by charismatic rapper Ric Wilson. As fans slowly made their way into the floor, the atmosphere started lighting up: from sequined blazers to bedazzled jumpsuits, the crowd was ready for a funky party.

Rapper Ric Wilson was in charge of kicking the evening off, with a chill attitude and plenty of charisma. He’d share candid stories in between songs, and even explained how he would visit Boston often to see an old partner. His energy on stage was contagious, and he quickly captured the audience and got them to dance and sing along on command. The room became a dance floor as the crowd would follow Wilson’s steps, successfully warming up the atmosphere.

After an unusually long opening set, everyone was more than ready for Chromeo to take the stage. The band had not been in town for almost 5 years, and the anticipation continued to grow as the lights slowly went down. With the iconic legs stand and chrome setup, the stage was glowing intensely in the dark, and fans started chanting “Chromeo” as the band took their spots. “Fancy Footwork” would get the party started and get the crowd jumping, and the energy would only get more intense as the night went on.

From “Juice” to “Bad Decision”, the funk duo’s sophisticated sound was incredibly smooth, with a dominating stage presence that constantly demands attention. Dave 1 and P-Thugg would jump off their platforms to approach the audience, taking on guitar and bass duties as well as synths and keyboards. Everyone in the room was all smiles, dancing like nobody was watching; many fans would step to the side and let loose, while others would be close together, bouncing and singing along. The climax arrived during the high energy “Jealous”, as the band requested to turn the lights on to see the full room. After a quick exit, the band returned for an extended encore, boldly closing the show with their latest single, “Personal Effects”. Chromeo continues to prove time and time again that funk is here to stay, with an electric performance that leaves you with a bright smile on your face.

RIC WILSON