I tend to use superlatives a lot. If I try to use them to describe
Dirty Projectors, I will run out very quickly and start repeating
myself. After all, how many times can one use the words "awesome,
unbelievable, genius, stupendous, revolutionary," etc. without sounding
like a moron? (Perhaps I'm already there).
Having heard fellow musicians talk about this band, I decided to investigate.
Dirty Projectors are a Brooklyn-based unit masterminded by vocalist/
guitarist David Longstreth. They defy categorization, although the term
"progressive" fits perfectly, as in progressed far beyond anyone else
in the rock/pop/whatever field of music. One feature of the music that
sticks out to my ears is the backing vox of Angel Derdoorian and Amber
Coffman, assisted by Haley Dekle. Their vocals remind me of the
Bulgarian Women's Choir, who rose to fame in the early 90's. Close
harmonies, often a whole step apart, sung as one mind powering three
throats. Longstreth has been known to conduct 12-hour vocal
rehearsals........! That does not sound far -fetched, given the degree
of precision in these performances. No auto-tune, and this recording
does not smell like Pro Tools. It smells like Vision and Hours of
Rehearsal.
Bass-wise, Nat Baldwin handles the duties (privileges) on three tracks,
with either Longstreth or Angel Derdoorian doing the rest. Track notes
are sparse. There is not a lot of bass on this recording. What little
there is has a slight McCartney-esque flavor to it. On the rare
occasion when the full bass/drums kick in the effect is somewhat led
Zeppelin-ish, as on "Useful Chamber".
The real game here is in the guitar work, composition, and
arrangements. David Longstreth, as a guitarist, has elements of early
Yes-era Steve Howe, Zoot Horn Rollo ( Bill Harkleroad) of Captain
Beefheart fame, and...........Asian Folk Music. Japanese koto as played
on a Fender Stratocaster. YouTube viewing reveals his penchant for
Strats played upside-down, lefty, like Jimi. Longstreth is one of the
most startlingly visionary guitarists of our day. Southern rock posers
and cookie-cutter downtuning metalheads please step aside. Vocally he
is precise and soulful, with a bit of Jeff Buckley/ Thom Yorke for good
measure. At times Dirty Projectors' sound is reminiscent of Close to
the Edge-era Yes. Beyond that, I haven't a clue. Perhaps Yes, with
Asian-folk-Beefheart guitars, and Bulgarian women's vocals. Great! A
new genre is born in modern music.........
My tour guide to this music was John Speice IV, an Austin DrumGod and
renaissance fellow. He informed me that their live show in Austin last
month Completely Represents the recorded version, and was downright
transcendent. Especially stunning were the backing vocals, apparently.
I myself "discovered" them a couple of weeks later, having missed the
live show. I eagerly await the opportunity to see these wizards in the
live realm.
Buy/download this music. Seriously. I didn't like it that much at first, then..........boom.
