Octopus Project @ Kungfu Necktie

After Octopus Project’s phenomenal SXSW spectacular Hexadecagon I was super excited to hear they’d be making a stop in Philly while touring their opus. I was equally curious to see how they’d translate the surround sound audio visual experience they created under that tent in Austin. Turns out they do it quite well.

After taking over the stage their huge set up – moogs, laptops, drum set, multiple guitars, keyboards, theramin etc- the proceeded to take over Kungfu Necktie. What started out as Octopus Project’s usual mesmerizing electronic rock orchestration built into a tremendous amount of energy both musically and physically as the packed audience erupted into wild dancing. The sound they were emitting was intense, in particularly when Yvonne masterfully manipulating the theramin. If you’ve never seen someone work the invisible waves that create the instrument’s music I might suggest you get yourself to an Octopus Project show as he is breathtaking to watch. Even while the delicate high pitches wafted out over the crowd the vigorous guitars and booming bass blew up around it. There is really no way to fully describe the experience but everyone in the room that night felt something charge through them.

While the group played the same video that was multiplied overhead during the original performance was a singular projection over their heads. While admittedly a little less intense it still played a part in the overall experience. As the band’s devoted followers pushed and swayed to their music I moved to the back to take it all in. See the interplay between the very composed band and the fan throbbing in time only served to make it that much more involving. It was an incredible night and I strongly urge you to find a way to catch the Austin group live at some point.

[MP3] Wet Gold (Daytrotter Session)