Emily Wells and Dark Dark Dark are two of the most impressive live acts I’ve seen in ages; last Friday’s show at The Knitting Factory has been playing over and over in my head.

Emily opened and took everyone, myself included, by surprise with her live-looping one-woman band consisting of haunting yet hypnotic vocals, violin, drums and at least one, if not more, instrument added for good measure.

At some point in the show, I couldn’t help but feel slightly self-conscious about my inability to stop staring at her. I really just couldn’t wait to see what she would do next. If you ever have the opportunity to see her perform live, run to get the tickets. Do not walk. Check out some of the audio I caught from Friday’s show:

Download: Emily Wells live at The Knitting Factory

When Dark Dark Dark took the stage there was a friendly college kid standing next to me who had never heard their music before. I was trying to describe their sound but anything I could have possibly said wouldn’t have been able to portray it accurately.

I didn’t need my new acquaintance to tell me how he was enjoying the show. When I turned my head to catch a glimpse of his face, his eyes were wide, his mouth was half-open and his hand was clutching his other hand next to his chest. When he caught me looking at him, he just smiled and immediately asked for more suggestions. So, I hope he’s reading this and remembers to check out Wye Oak, Lia Ices and Holly Miranda.

In case you’re wondering, this is the song currently breaking my heart on repeat:

Dark Dark Dark – Who Needs Who

Emily Wells – Mama

Related articles

• Stream Dark Dark Dark Who Needs Who (Stereogum Premiere) (stereogum.com)
• Emily Wells released free remix LP, on tour with Dark Dark Dark (dates, MP3s, streams) (brooklynvegan.com)