Photo courtesy of Jeffrey M. Boos / Ultimate Phoenix Fan

The French rockers of Phoenix perform at the Catalyst

Generally, indie-rock shows lack unpredictability. Concert goers are typically treated to an overplayed sing-a-long, overpriced merchandise and “that guy,” who overkills the air drum.

But, after Saturday’s sold-out show at The Catalyst, in Santa Cruz, Calif., the French band Phoenix is anything but predictable.

Although the concert opened with the shoegaze-pop band Princeton, Phoenix proved that the French do indeed do it best.

Phoenix took its second set list to another level after frontman Thomas Mars sang every Phoenix fans’ favorite single “1901,” from the venue’s balcony, which housed a geographically diverse, 4-20 friendly audience.

Even the most skeptical listeners were lured toward the stage from the entrance as the ambient-pop piano tap of the track “Lisztomania,” kicked off the show.

The title of the song derives from the 19th Century German pianist Franz Liszt, an urbane artist who would bewitch women with his piano skills. As a result, the German romantic poet Christian Johann Heinrich Heine coined the term Lisztomania.

The set list also included the nine alternate tracks from the band’s ‘80s inspired fourth album “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.” As well as a few hits from their third album “It’s Never Been Like That.”

While Princeton passes through Fresno to open for the French band Camera Obscura at the Cellar Door Tuesday night, Phoenix entered Indigo, Calif. for the 2010 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

The Catalyst and the Outdoor Theatre were the band’s only California stops on the recently updated tour schedule.

It’s a shame that Starline, the Exit or even the Save Mart Center didn’t make the cut. Maybe next year Fresno.