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David Larson of the Royal Concept at Club Bahia (Brenda Camberos/LOL-LA)

Last Thursday night, Swedish rock outfit the Royal Concept brought their pop-coated rock to Club Bahia and turned the skeptics into believers.

The Swedes ignited an international buzz with their 2013 hit “D-D-Dance.” With the follow-up tracks “Gimme Twice” and “World on Fire,” they gained the attention of the American press. If you haven’t heard their music, TRC sounds like a cross between the French outfit Phoenix and English power rockers the Kooks. I wasn’t sure what to expect of the European foursome live, however, after witnessing them that night I can honestly say I’ll  keep my radar open for their next visit.

The quartet took the stage promptly at 9 p.m. and offered high-energy and comedy in between songs to offset the technical glitches during their performance. Lead singer David Larson and his cronies confidently used the malfunctions to entertain their audience with some cheesy jokes to make everyone forget about the ear sore.  During the one-hour set there were some strings were broken, but the show continued; the outfit persisted to make addicts of the audience with their swaggering charm and electro-pop.

In the same fashion as the Hives, the Knife and the Asteroids Galaxy, the group came to Los Angeles ready to conquer and give it their all. By the end of their set, everyone in the venue was dancing, and those hardcore fans who knew the words to their songs were mouthing them enthusiastically.

It was the first time I’ve been to see a concert at this venue, which until recently had been used for Latin dance crowds. Dave Chappelle recently had a secret show here, and many other indie labels are now turning to it to showcase their bands. This locale seems to be turning into the new hotspot for burgeoning talent. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the staff is helpful and attentive. The sounds could do with some work, though.

The club wasn’t full that night, but when the doors opened at 7 p.m., there was already a line of fans waiting eagerly for the European band. The concert was technically faulty, the venue half-full, but regardless of that, the Royal Concept succeeded at giving a hell of a show.

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