Amen Dunes

I admit I had not heard of Amen Dune until his/their Le Blogethéque Take Away Show in Paris earlier in 2014, where Damon McMahon, performed the songs I Know Myself and Rocket Flare with an understated flair. Which greatly describes Amen Dun’s live performance, understated, unassuming but rather remarkable.

Amen Dune signed to the label Sacred Bones along with the likes of Moon Duo, Woods and Zola Jesus and have been going from strength to strength since their full length LP Through Donkey Jaw. The band’s 2014 release has been given the status of Pitchfork’s most overlooked albums of the year and it’s not hard to see why. The album has a growing nature, like it’s still finding its form and features collaborations with Colin Stetson and various members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Damon McMahon’s voice has similarities to that of the lead singer of Fleet Foxes without the climatic emphasis and in other instances etchings of Ariel Pink, but the beautiful atmospheric additions provided by the keyboard and synth player add an eerie ambience to the set like they’re wizards casting a spell on us and we are defenceless against the ensuing sway and subtle bop of the very minimalist percussion.

Really liked this show! Damon McMahon has such a unique voice on his albums and it came across completely in this show. He sings with a lot of feeling and you can tell in a way that's not always apparent seeing live music that these songs mean a lot to him. His backing band genuinely seemed to enjoy themselves and all in all the sound of the band was great. Damon was a very understated performer and didn't say much to the crowd, but exuded a calm, relaxed vibe that made it enjoyable to watch him despite the limited interaction.