MGMT delivered a solid set at the Greek Theater on Friday night, but the real standout performance came from opener Francis and the Lights. The New York-based group plays a blend of new wave, soulful jazz and R&B, while eccentric frontman Francis Farewell Starlite's fierce falsetto and frenetic gyrations dominate their live act. The way he moves is kind of indescribable (and probably must be seen to be understood), but suffice it to say he has showmanship!

Francis has mastered 80's Prince-like vocals, but not in a campy or ironic way -- it's done honestly and with reverence. He cites Strunk & White's "The Elements of Style" (a writing guide) as the primary influence on his music and emphasizes that his priority is to make songs he likes to dance to. He says that Gene Kelly in 1940s musicals inspires his music videos. He told the Daily Bruin that he selected his band members based on their personalities and had never even heard his guitarist play until he brought him on board. He has covered songs by Otis Redding and Kanye West (a professed fan of Francis and the Lights) and he produced the song "Karaoke" on hip-hop sensation Drake's chart-topping debut album Thank Me Later.

All of these things would seem to render Francis an exciting newcomer, but sadly the patrons at the Greek were mostly oblivious, milling around and buying french fries until they heard one of MGMT's radio hits.

MGMT did, of course, provide pleasures for the crowd, playing several tracks off 2007's breakout success Oracular Spectacular (eliciting sorority-girl screams). And their trippy video backdrop -- an intricate swirl of color-changing patterns -- was mesmerizing enough to entertain the audience through songs from their wacky and less epic latest album Congratulations.

MGMT's performance was predictably well-received, their psychedelic synthpop and kaleidoscopic light show were a lovely combination for a balmy summer evening in the open-air venue. But Francis and the Lights might do better as the headliner in a smaller space until they establish the fanbase they deserve.

More MGMT:

Story by Chrissy Humphreys (chrissy@la2day.com).

Photos by Melody Dye (pkipsy@gmail.com).