tUnE-yArDs exceed all expectations at Paradise
by Ben Serby
Writer
Arts | 11/24/09
Posted online at 10:12 PM EST on 11/23/09
In 21 years of attending concerts, I cannot recall ever seeing an opening act that grabbed my attention to such a degree that I actually considered that it might overshadow the headliner. That changed on Tuesday night, when I witnessed a miraculous set performed by tUnE-yArDs at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. From almost the very second that she walked out onstage, Merrill Garbus (lead vocals, ukelele and drums) exhibited uncommon command of the audience's attention. Her unique stage presence combined familiar indie-pop girl cuteness with a raw power that brings to mind strong female vocalists such as Etta James-and this woman is definitely listening to the blues. This arresting brew of brazen sass and deceptive meekness was reflected in both Garbus' gestures and her sound. Opening her first song with a looped repetition of gentle, Lion King-esque "kee-kee ka-ka" chirps, she then launched into a forceful reproach: "I'm not your fantasy girl." As she belted out the lyrics in what can only be appraised as an incredible voice, her eyes widened as though plotting some horrific punishment for her imaginary lover. Banging on the drums with fury, Garbus effectively lifted her initial veneer of timidity and instead confronted the audience with the image of a strong-even murderous-woman.
Gender analysis aside, tUnE-YaRdS are simply a lot of fun to watch. In addition to many moments of comedy, the set's extensive use of looping techniques presented a chance for the audience to watch a song being built up one element at a time-a phenomenon that is far more entertaining when viewed live than when simply heard. Throughout the opening performance, the entire venue seemed bent on Garbus' every motion and utterance; when she mentioned that she had only brought 30 CDs with her for sale, the crowd was visibly disappointed.
Obviously, this memorable show-within-a-show set the bar rather high for the Dirty Projectors, whose highly acclaimed album, Bitte Orca, came out in June. After the six members of the band took the stage, they launched straight into a version of "No Intention" that felt slower than the album version and seriously lacked in energy. It seemed, for a moment, that the headliners, enjoying a comfortable reputation, would actually pale in comparison to their obscure opener. But this prediction was quickly shown to be just silly. On the next song, "Remade Horizon," the enthusiasm picked up considerably; during the technically remarkable bridge, the two guitarists engaged in a sort of jig jam with evident enjoyment.
Gender analysis aside, tUnE-YaRdS are simply a lot of fun to watch. In addition to many moments of comedy, the set's extensive use of looping techniques presented a chance for the audience to watch a song being built up one element at a time-a phenomenon that is far more entertaining when viewed live than when simply heard. Throughout the opening performance, the entire venue seemed bent on Garbus' every motion and utterance; when she mentioned that she had only brought 30 CDs with her for sale, the crowd was visibly disappointed.
Obviously, this memorable show-within-a-show set the bar rather high for the Dirty Projectors, whose highly acclaimed album, Bitte Orca, came out in June. After the six members of the band took the stage, they launched straight into a version of "No Intention" that felt slower than the album version and seriously lacked in energy. It seemed, for a moment, that the headliners, enjoying a comfortable reputation, would actually pale in comparison to their obscure opener. But this prediction was quickly shown to be just silly. On the next song, "Remade Horizon," the enthusiasm picked up considerably; during the technically remarkable bridge, the two guitarists engaged in a sort of jig jam with evident enjoyment.
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