By Jake Feala
Probably the most absurd moment out of a night of absurd moments was during the dazed march out of the Che Cafe, through eucalyptus trees on the trail to the parking lot, when the guy walking in front of me awkwardly asked his date “So… did you like the show?” I didn’t catch what she said but the correct response would have been “Yes, you idiot, I was in the crowd, wasn’t I?” Seeing Dan Deacon and his enormous backing band in a crowded outdoor cafe on the woodsy edge of the UC-San Diego campus does not elicit feelings that fall into the categories “Like” or “Dislike.” More appropriate categories would be “WTF just happened” or “Is this real life?”
Dan Deacon brought the party and we did what he told us. Get in a circle for a Fancy-Dance-Off? Ok, Dan! Human bridge around the outside of the building? You got it, Dan! Catch members of the band as they stage dive off the roof? Jesus Christ, Dan! Ok! I guess! All of the craziness was, of course, soundtracked by his signature synth hooks sprinkled with xylophone and driven by beats so fast that dancing inevitably devolves into frenetic hopping, leaving everyone in the building with smiles and sore calves.
I am sleepwalking through an unbearable day of work today, with flashback visions of a flashing green skull and the melody to Wham City on a loop in my head, but of course it was worth it. I hope that girl denies that guy a second date for asking such a stupid question.
Previously: Photos: Dan Deacon – Majestic Theatre, Madison
Previously: Pitchfork Music Festival: Dan Deacon
Buy: Dan Deacon – Bromst
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Myspace: Dan Deacon
