Live Review: Dirty Projectors, YMusic & The Unnatural Congress Of Still Beating Hearts

It's not surprising that experimental rockers Dirty Projectors were joined by stunning classical musicianship in the two support slots. Aussie duo The Unnatural Congress Of Still Beating Hearts unassumingly kicked off proceedings with some keys, a subtle airy voice and an absolutely amazing bass clarinettist who completely stole their set. They were closely followed by New York sextet yMusic, who kept the slowly growing attendance in awe with tight compositions beautifully shared by two violins, a cello and three brass – making it clear why they are one of the most sought after instrumental ensembles for guest recordings in the USA.

After the two 20-minute support sets, Dirty Projectors frontman David Longstreth entered the now packed Concert Hall, delivering the solo title track from latest record Swing Lo Magellan. The remainder of the band slowly filtered their way to the stage throughout the course of the first few songs; yMusic also returning to bring the much-needed depth to Dance To You.

The band's female contingent were the real triumph of the night, as not only do they actually have fucking fun (unlike serious Longstreth, who struggles to smile) but their three-part harmonies are so killer that it has everyone in the place under their spell. Finches' Song At Oceanic Parking Lot saw Amber Coffman (on guitar), Haley Dekle (on percussion) and Olga Bell (on keys) tear apart the room with a hymn-like mixture of voices that totally exceeded any sound the band produced before or after.

The night's mixing was horrible, with Longstreth rightfully gesturing for his mic to be turned down more than once. His voice and guitar totally overpowered every other instrument or voice on stage and it's such a shame because the women's pivotal contributions were reduced to mere background sounds. Singles Stillness Is The Move and 2012 release Gun Has No Trigger were both awkwardly stumbled through, the musicians trying to be heard while Longstreth strained to hit the high notes near the end of the set.

Despite the obvious tech issues, Dirty Projectors produced their stunningly artistic repertoire, made all the more enjoyable by songs like The Socialites, which saw Coffman instead take lead and belt her sweet voice through the hall.