93 Ft East is generally the haunt of many a turgid four-piece electro-indie outfit, but this evening the Trilby-hatted hoards were ousted in favour of a splendid display of Eastern European-influenced burlesque madness.
Denver-based DEVOTCHKA took the crowd by the proverbial Boleros and whizzed them onto the ceiling with their stunning mix of Greek, Baltic, Romany blend of indie pop. Yes, the Gyspy Kings did Snow Patrol, except with an enormous flower-covered illuminated tuba for a bass.
DeVotchKa have an interesting past, having supported Dita von Tesse, appeared on the soundtracks for “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Everything is Illuminated”, and last year were nominated for a Grammy. It’s unsurprising, as their unique take on so many styles, not to mention their ridiculously frenetic performances, have the ability to whip even the dourest group of pensioners into an orgy of mentalist dancing and plate-smashing.
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Nick Urata’s expressive vocals cut through the swirling madness. His voice is so loaded with expression and melodrama, that hearing it will either induce rapturous joy, or will break your heart. Combine that with Tom Hagerman’s Grapelli-esque violin playing, and of course let’s not forget the flowery tuba, and you have a lethal cocktail just waiting to be downed.
Unfortunately, this intruiging quartet have crossed back to their native side of the pond. But in the meantime, their critically acclaimed album “How It Ends” has recently been released in Europe on Anti Records. Small comfort, but we can wait until they come back.
www.devotchka.net
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