Part of a diverse and well-curated Pitchfork showcase that included Brooklyn experimental black metal band Sannhet, California folk singer-songwriter Jessica Pratt and up-and-coming rappers Tink and Vince Staples, New York trio Amen Dunes were slotted towards the beginning of the night, providing an appropriately languid soundtrack. The Berkeley Church was the perfect venue for the eclectic lineup, and it hit capacity early.
Decidedly mellower than Sacred Bones labelmates the Men or Pharmakon, their music veers towards more lonesome indie rock with hints of Syd Barrett and Will Oldham's songwriting. Lead singer and guitarist Damon McMahon was affable and engaging, even when their music was overpowered by crowd noise.
Even though it took them a while to warm up the audience, by the time McMahon switched to acoustic guitar and bandmate Jordi Wheeler got on piano, they were greeted with vigorous head-nodding and applause.
Decidedly mellower than Sacred Bones labelmates the Men or Pharmakon, their music veers towards more lonesome indie rock with hints of Syd Barrett and Will Oldham's songwriting. Lead singer and guitarist Damon McMahon was affable and engaging, even when their music was overpowered by crowd noise.
Even though it took them a while to warm up the audience, by the time McMahon switched to acoustic guitar and bandmate Jordi Wheeler got on piano, they were greeted with vigorous head-nodding and applause.