Wearing costumes that would make Elton John proud, Utah’s Neon Trees sure don’t behave like your stereotypical Mormons. All four members (plus a touring guitarist) sported glammed-out heavy makeup and outlandish hair, particularly the foot-high yellow and pink mohawk of vocalist and keyboardist Tyler Glenn.

Glenn had the crowd eating out of his hand with his theatrical behavior and powerful voice. Early in the set, he had the crowd bouncing with “1983″ and never let up on the energy during the 45-minute dance rock set. Elaine Bradley is a monster behind the kit, and she proved that in nearly every song, pounding hard on the toms as well as backing Glenn’s vocals with a hell of a set of pipes of her own.

The band’s second-to-last song was their hit single “Animal,” and they closed with a slower-tempo song that took some of the excitement out of the Gobi Tent. Still, between the theatrics and amazing musicianship, Neon Trees made a statement in their first Coachella appearance.