Even With Only 4 Songs, AU Steals the (Free) Show

contributor: Shep Mayo, Jan. 27th, 2010

Live photo by: Chris Burdick

Frankly, I’m having a difficult time describing the music that AU (pronounced “ey-you”) makes….It’s interesting, dynamic, cacophonous and surprisingly danceable. Multi-instrumentalist Luke Wyland impressively wrestles with a keyboard, synth, lap steel and a melodica simultaneously, while Dana Valatka, who is more than a drummer, but a highly skilled percussionist and musician, provides subtle and skillful rhythmic undertones and complimentary order to the frantic orchestrations of AU. Far from front and center, Wyland’s haunting tenor weaves back and forth through the unsteady tapestry of noise, tying together the competing and conflicting melodic and rhythmic elements to create one of the most unique and compelling shows I’ve ever been to. I’m not seeking to describe AU as some sort of “concept” or experiment, but one can’t help but be impressed with the complexity of their show, especially considering that there are only two people on stage. More than just impressive, though, the music is beautiful and fun, blending a variety of styles and influences creating a romping and raucous sound collage. The only disappointment of the set was its brevity- the duo played  only four songs: Ida Walked Away, RR vs. D, an as-yet-untitled new song, and Summerheat. The show was free and all ages, a rare thing for a venue like Holocene. It was put on by the people behind this year’s “inaugural” Portland Folk Festival. Wow and Flutter and AU were the openers, Akron/Family headlined. Despite the annoyance of a roped off bar and constantly having to tell 12 year olds, “no, you cannot have a cigarette,” it was a great night and a great show, and I think that AU was without question the highlight.

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