Dirty Projectors

Familiarity with Black Flag’s seminal 1981 record, Damaged, may add a layer of enjoyment to the latest album by local experimental pop group Dirty Projectors, but it’s hardly a prerequisite for succumbing to unpredictable mastermind Dave Longstreth’s inspired arrangements. In fact, Longstreth himself claims not to have heard the hardcore classic for years before attempting a reimagining of it from memory—not covering the original but, in his words, recording an “observation” of it.

In the process, he produced a leaner, more focused sound than on previous Dirty Projectors records, whose ambitious eclecticism occasionally seemed close to descending into a complete mess. Though impressive in their precision, Rise Above’s more intricate compositions are at times exhausting—especially when paired with Longstreth’s occasionally brittle vocals. Yet songs such as the title track, with its beautifully restrained guitar lines and gentle harmonies, emerge as keenly crafted pop tunes, creating a fresh second life for fiery punk nuggets.

Dirty Projectors play Mercury Lounge Fri 28 and Zebulon Wed 3.