Show Preview: Emancipator w/ Odesza and Real Magic

Emancipator Ensemble will perform at
The Lincoln Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 19 w/
Odesza and Real Magic

If you've been paying attention to the local scene lately, then you've certainly caught on to the incredible music that Younger Brother Productions is bringing to the area. Whether it be booking for WKNC's weekly Local Band Local Beer or the slew of other exciting events that Craig Reed is bringing to the area, there's reason for you to pay attention to what Younger Brother's got going on. Lately there's been a surge in dance-driven tunes brought to the area by Younger Brother, and that burst continues this Wednesday night at The Lincoln as Emancipator brings a live band along to Raleigh with him for what's sure to be an enthralling trip-hop affair.

The night begins with Real Magic, an experimental pop group based out of California. Real Magic will serve as a way for attendees to dip their toes into the dance sphere as this electro-washed pop music combines elements of shoe-gaze and beat music to craft warm, dense arrangements. There's equal parts psychedelia and exploration as there is four on the floor, dance-ready drum beats. Real Magic will serve as an excellent start to what's going to be a phenomenal night of music. It's one of the strongest parts of this lineup, there's a wide range of sounds on display for Wednesday night's bill but they're all falling under an electronic umbrella that ensures each act a solid built-in audience. While there may not be droves of fans singing along to some of these shimmering tracks, they'll still be dancing with just as much ferocity to the infectious rhythms.

After Real Magic comes Odesza, an act a bit more entrenched in the EDM scene than Real Magic. Odesza is a Seattle-based production duo that's only been making music together for a few years now, but their cohesion and clear artistic vision would never give that away. Glitchy vocals wash over shuffling beats, peppered with crisp snares, crunching bass lines and bouncy synths. While Real Magic will offer more of a standard live electro set, Odesza will serve as a musical bridge to Emancipator, blending hip-hop influences with electronic foundations for a groove-inducing set of energetic tunes. Pitchy vocals, drawn out bass lines and effervescent instrumentation will help get fans warmed up for the wide-open expanses of the Emancipator Ensemble.

One of the key draws for Wednesday's show is Emancipator's live set-up. Emancipator has long been known for his heady, glitch-hop tracks that are as introspective and brooding as they are dance ready. The down-tempo tracks of Emancipator are filled with brilliant arrangements, they're deeply layered songs that contain just enough girth to pan out awesomely with a live band. If you're a fan of modern electronic music then you've probably seen countless acts lost in their headphones and MacBooks, too busy pounding away on their MIDI controllers to really provide a warming and engaging set. Thus, the live electronic scene came to fruition, and Emancipator sits atop the scene with his engaging four-piece live set-up. Meshing electric violin with bass, guitar and drums, Emancipator's ethereal melodies shine brightly in the live setting.




Doors open at 8:00 pm and the show begins at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information on the show, head over to LincolnTheatre.com.