Pool Party # 2, July 19, 2009: The Dirty Projectors, Magnolia Electric Co, and Crystal Antlers
Seeing The Dirty Projectors play small rooms only a few years back, I could have never guessed that come 2009, they'd be headlining a massive free concert at Williamsburg Waterfront. But last Sunday, they did just that, and the suddenly popular band had the new outdoor venue much more packed than a week earlier, with a very very long line forming outside the entrance.
Bitte Orca may very well be the best album of the year, but it's still a bit surprising to see just how big of a leap in popularity The Dirty Projectors have made.
Opening their performance with "Two Doves," a stunning Nico-esque tune sung by the equally beautiful Angel Deradoorian, The Dirty Projectors lived up to all of the hype. The set, which was a mix of cuts from Bitte Orca and Rise Above, was the best I've ever seen them play. Each member was on their mark, and the triple threat of female vocalists created a whirlwind of backing harmonies behind Longstreth's very unique voice and cutting guitar playing. The highlight of the set came with "Useful Chamber," a shape-shifting song that really displays the range of The Dirty Projectors talents.
If a mindblowing performance by Dirty Projectors wasn't enough, those who arrived early enough caught an unbelievable performance by California psych-rockers Crystal Antlers. The band was one of the most talked about bands during 2008's CMJ Marathon, and they've gotten bigger and better. Knowing a good opportunity when they see one, they played a ferociously energetic set for the large crowd.
Sandwiched inbetween the 2 energetic sets was the somewhat sleepy Magnolia Electric Co.. Jason Molina and company just weren't exciting enough to make an impact on the crowd who was waiting for The Dirty Projectors to take the stage.
Today's Pool Party promises to be a raucus one with Health, Black Lips and And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead all set to perform. And the looming rain storms may only add to the expected insanity.
