CRX unveils a stylistic mixed bag in live debut at the Hi Hat

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CRX at the Hi Hat
CRX at the Hi Hat

CRX, the new group fronted by Nick Valensi of the Strokes, made their live debut Wednesday night with a no-muss, little-fuss show at the sold-out Hi Hat in Highland Park.

With Josh Homme (who produced the album) among those in the house, the quintet — who have not yet released any music — dashed through a nine-song, 40-minute set that stylistically touched on ’80s hard rock, guitar-spiked New Wave and, predictably, the chug-a-lug garage rock for which the Strokes are known.

It was highlighted by the (possible) first single “Ways to Fake It,” which sounds like Ric Ocasek rounded up the Strokes and took them for a little ride in the Cars. That came late in the set, followed by two hard-edged rockers that wouldn’t have been out of place in the L.A. clubs of the ’80s, “Monkey Machine” and “Walls.” They inspired a modest bit of moshing to finish off the show.

CRX were more tentative at the start, even given the sonically familiar feel of opening numbers “On Edge” and “Give It Up.” Valensi, backed by Richie Follin of Guards, Ralph Alexander of the Dose and Darian Zahedi and Jon Safley of the Reflections, greeted the crowd after the second song: “Well, thanks for coming. How’d you find out about this?”

Not that the show was a well-kept secret. CRX had announced a slate of shows in L.A. and New York — they return to the former on Aug. 26 to play the Satellite. CRX will be opening some shows for Beck, and also on the horizon (but not yet announced) is a September club date in L.A.

Valensi gave his falsetto a workout on the riffy “Broken Bones;” at the midpoint of the set, the band finally completely warmed up with the thrashy “Unnatural;” and the down-tempo “Slow Down” proved the emotive high point.

Considering CRX’s resumés, their album (rumored to have a fall release date) will get a lot of attention. It won’t be because it breaks any new ground, but it sounds as if it will have its moments.

Set list: On Edge, Give It Up, Broken Bones, One Track Mind, Unnatural, Slow Down, Ways to Fake It, Monkey Machine, Walls