Chairlift, Dublin Castle

If the buzz in the Dublin Castle is anything to go by, it is clear that Chairlift’s popularity is on the increase. With the steady stream of people and sold out status, this doesn’t look like it is set to wane. Camden is ready for some electro-pop action.

Chairlift open with ‘Garbage’, it’s green sensibilities greeted with enthusiasm. The shift in tempo becomes an apparent motif on many of their songs as they continue with the set. Territory is clearly one of their strongest tracks. With ambient beginnings, Caroline Polachek combines melodic synths with climactic percussion, marked by the cowbells as it reaches its peak. Vocally and musically this track can only be described as beautiful.

Having been used commercially, ‘Bruises’ is a likeable, if somewhat disposable jaunty little ditty. Incidentally, this perhaps indicates a weaker aspect as ‘Evident Utensil’ works to much greater effect. ‘Make Your Mind Up’ is another that starts as a slow number, gradually building as Caroline takes the helm at the tambourine, giving it a rousing conclusion. As Caroline states this as being their ‘first real venue show in London’, she aptly moves onto the last song, ‘Planet Health’ with its whirling harmonies of birdsong and sweet melodies, seeped in innocence, this seems to be what Chairlift do best.

In a time where music is continuously disposable, playing live is increasing integral. Chairlift not only prove that they can play, they play very well. The only criticism here is that the set could have been longer. At their best, close your eyes and you are transported to somewhere that is seemingly otherworldly, in line with their original premise to make music for haunted houses. Patrick Wimberly shifts expertly from drums to bass guitar, keeping the backing track in check while Aaron Pfenning plucks away, intersperses vocally. Caroline’s ethereal vocals are more than enough to carry the songs through with Aaron Pfenning complementing her when needed. Maybe, just maybe this is the slow disco that the ghosts move to…