It would not be a reach to say that the breakout instrument of 2008 is the young male voice. Singers such as Beirut’s Zach Condon and Bon Iver‘s Justin Vernon have caught fire favoring a high-pitched vibrato that floats over and/or penetrates the wall of electronics, guitars and other noisemakers (a.k.a., instruments) with which they typically share the stage.
Add to that list two more candidates, both heard last night at the spanking-new Music Hall of Williamsburg (formerly Northsix.) Nick Krgovich, of Vancouver’s No Kids, sang sweetly over a repeating synth sound laced with marimbas and African-sounding rhythms. By contrast, Dave Longstreth, of Dirty Projectors, went balls out, projecting his quavering voice over his own intricate guitar and frequently changing tempos that sounded like nothing so much as Captain Beefheart. (As I’ve written previously, Longstreth is classically trained and a Yale School of Music dropout.) On many songs, he harmonized with guitarist Amber Hoffman and bassist Angel Deradoorian, creating weird overtones and other ethereal sounds. The packed, sold out house ate it all up. (More pics after the jump.)
of course you had to mention Captain Beefheart. sounds like it was a good show. hopefully i’ll get to see DPs one day!
of course you had to mention Captain Beefheart. sounds like it was a good show. hopefully i’ll get to see DPs one day!
of course you had to mention Captain Beefheart. sounds like it was a good show. hopefully i’ll get to see DPs one day!
of course you had to mention Captain Beefheart. sounds like it was a good show. hopefully i’ll get to see DPs one day!
of course you had to mention Captain Beefheart. sounds like it was a good show. hopefully i’ll get to see DPs one day!
of course you had to mention Captain Beefheart. sounds like it was a good show. hopefully i’ll get to see DPs one day!