On the back of their sold out Sydney Festival show at the Sydney Opera House, DIRTY PROJECTORS were hauled into the Triple J studios to record a cover of Usher's R'n'B classic 'Climax'. And we experienced something pretty incredible.
What was recorded was, stylistically, a near flawless cover. Headed up by musical mastermind Dave Longstreth and the ever-charming Amber Coffman and armed only with a small electric keyboard, DIRTY PROJECTORS left me a bit speechless with some stunning vocal harmonies - a standout feature on their latest record 'Swing Lo Magellan' - but done with an R'n'B warmth that evokes all of the sexual tension that Usher definitely intended.
The fact that Coffman and Longstreth essentially make a duet of it really just compounds this.
It was a perfect choice for Longstreth's voice. It showed off his incredible range from a raw and emotive plea to the highest of flasetto tones - really proving him to be one of the greatest technical voices going around at the moment. Coffman was no different, her delicately soulful first verse is warming and emotionally very powerful - providing a great contrast to Longstreth.
It's tracks like this that demonstrate the musical success of a fluidly structured group, showing diversity and musical brilliance.
This is definitely worth a watch. And if for no other reason, you should watch the video to see how big Dave's mouth is.
Words by Edmund Kirkwood
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