David Longstreth formed Dirty Projectors in 2002 and the principal members now consist of Angel Deradoorian, Amber Coffman, Brian Mcomber and David himself. Dirty Projectors have also introduced an expanded six-member line-up with the addition of bassist Nat Baldwin and vocalist Haley Dekle for their recent live dates.

On May 8, 2009, members of Dirty Projectors collaborated with Björk to perform an original composition by Longstreth, written for five voices and acoustic guitar, as part of a charity concert to benefit Housing Works, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing shelter for homeless men, women, and children suffering from AIDS. The concert was held at the Housing Works Bookstore & Café in downtown New York City.

After the release of their fifth album, Bitte Orca, earlier this year (2009), Dirty Projectors are back with the release of their four track ‘Temecula Sunrise EP’.

The UK only EP features ‘Temecula Sunrise’ and ‘Cannibal Resource’ both of which are taken from the above mentioned album. There are also two exclusive, previously unreleased tracks recorded as part of the album sessions.

‘Temecula Sunrise’ has a warm homely feeling about it. I can’t help but feel that there is a distinct Greek sound to this track; I can certainly envisage people sat in little Tavernas all over Greece listening to this type of music.

‘Cannibal Resource’, has a fresh, lively sound to it. I particularly like the backing vocals on this track as they bring depth and feeling to it and when put together with the guitar riffs it has a great crisp sound.

‘Ascending Melody’ has an exotic, tropical sound, which I love. The pizzicato on the guitars is great and I really like the melody on this track. As for the vocals, well they just complete the music.

The last song on this EP is ‘Emblem Of The World’ it’s much softer and calmer than the previous three tracks. The vocals are faultless and the rhythm, although smoother, is just as strong and carries with it much feeling.

Yet again Dirty Projectors don’t disappoint.

8

Helena Rea