Odesza delivers an immersive performance at Union Transfer

Odesza | Joe Del Tufo | deltufophotography.com

Seattle based electronic act ODESZA captured two full audiences at Union Transfer in Philadelphia Wednesday night, bringing out enough people to sell out both a 7pm and 10:30pm show. Founding duo Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight had an energy I never thought possible from a couple of DJs; in the past I’ve often noticed pop DJs seem to simply stand on stage with their laptop and tap their foot. ODESZA’s twist is an entirely different breed from this generic approach. Not only did neither of them stop moving for a second during the more than hour-long show, the background didn’t stop moving either. Throughout the concert, projections were constantly changing, from a view of trees and the transforming night sky to the on beat pulsing of their signature geometric logo.

There is something other-worldly about being in the middle of a crowd during a good electronic concert. Everyone seems to be enjoying the music in unison. It’s not typically the kind of music you sing along to, so the only option is to close your eyes and soak it in. ODESZA provides fans with an escape that cannot be found many other places, bringing together a unique audience of young and old, erratic dancers and quiet clappers, and tie-wearing middle aged men next to tattoo-covered young women.

This was my second time seeing ODESZA live, the first time being Firefly this past summer. The show at Union Transfer provided an almost familial vibe that was absent at the festival. The addition of solo DJ openers, Jai Wolf and Louis Futon, added to the uniqueness of this show. I think the venue’s small space provides the chance for bonding with the people around you. At this show I was standing towards the front of the audience, which tends to be where the devoted fans congregate. Union Transfer’s rustic interior combined with the futuristic lighting and display was a rare and beautiful visual. This aesthetic only added to the positive and excited mood of the show.

ODESZA’s setlist was surprising. Although they played many of their popular songs, they several cuts from their most recent album In Return were absent. Many of their songs were also presented in remixed arrangements; it was hard to tell if it was planned that way or on-the-fly, but the results were incredible. Harrison and Clayton have an ear for what electronic music fans want to hear, but they take that sound, and produce something entirely new. Check out photos from their.