The Von Bondies played to a packed venue Saturday night at the Basement.

The band consists of lead guitarist Jason Stollsteimer, Alicia Gbur on keyboards, bassist Leann Banks and drummer Don Blum. The band’s gender diversity seems to be an advantage, as opposed to the typical gender-specific rock bands popular today.

The mix of male and female provided an upbeat dynamic, which seemed to add to the edgy yet perky sound of the group. They have a relatable appeal to both guys and girls, and the stage presence of the band is improved with the different emotions the separate genders bring to the table.

The venue was a clear disadvantage. The Basement, in what is almost a Columbus rock venue tradition, tends to have a less-than-perfect sound staff, and its acoustics are nothing to brag about. Thus, the band’s lyrics were washed out, leaving only the instruments audible.

The most famous song of the Von Bondies, their 2004 single “C’Mon C’Mon” from album “Pawn Shop Heart” was met with riotous approval, but perhaps because no one needed to know the words to jam to it.

Though not a well-known band, there was a respectable crowd packed into the Basement. The size could be euphamistically described as cozy, which provided a supporting, fun crowd. “C’mon C’mon” has been featured on the FX network television show “Rescue Me,” and played often on the local independent radio circuit, which has earned the band an alternative underground approval.

Two bands opened for the Von Bondies: Detroit band SSM and the brother group Freer.

While SSM showed potential with their similar style and sound to the Von Bondies, Freer was an atrocious blaring of too much keyboard and unrecognizable lyrics. One concert goer said in response to Freer’s set, “Their instruments are so loud, you can’t hear what they’re saying. And if you can’t hear what they’re saying, they probably don’t have anything to say in the first place.”

The Von Bondies third album, “Love, Hate, and Then There’s You” is due out sometime this summer.

Alexandra Coleman can be reached at [email protected].