Serious Bizness

What could I possibly say about tUnE-yArDs that hasn't already been said on every music blog on the world wide interweb? Nothing. Nothing at all. I was ambivalent about Merrill Garbus's much-hyped music project up until last night, when I got a chance to check out her live act at the very cool Brighton Music Hall. Now I am a convert, an enthusiastic passenger on the crowded but thoroughly entertaining tUnE-yArDs bandwagon.

Garbus was joined onstage by Nate Brenner, who also plays bass on the new record, and two saxophonists. The typical track consisted of Garbus and Brenner whipping up some drum and vocal loops on the fly, which built steadily in complexity and sheer awesomeness until their metamorphosis into a recognizable song was complete. The saxophones were a treat whenever they chimed in, but the main attraction was Merrill's remarkably powerful and versatile voice. With an undeniably unusual sound for a female vocalist, she commands attention with her intensity while maintaining the flexibility to go on some pretty amazing vocal runs.

tUnE-yArDs - Bizness

For a mere 12 bucks, the sold-out crowd was treated to one remarkable song after another. One of the most all-around entertaining shows I've seen in a while, tUnE-yArDs impressed with musicianship, showmanship, and creativity. Sometimes an act takes off because everybody is supposed to like them, but nobody can figure out why (see: Animal Collective). But tUnE-yArDs, like the Dirty Projectors (who they toured with back in 2009), are blowing up for all the right reasons. Check out the new record and don't miss the chance to see this fantastic act on tour.