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Bitte Orca is an album rich with detail and intricacy. It has a thick, bright, but in no way overdone sound. David Longstreth’s eccentric lead vocals, the girls’ (Amber Coffman, Angel Deradoorian, and Haley Dekle) tricky, but perfectly executed backround vocals, Longstreth’s equally exceptional guitar, and countless other elements are mixed to create this classic Dirty Projectors LP. Longstreth veers into progressive rock territory with his odd time signatures and rhythm switches. It’s as though he’s singing the lyrics as he’s thinking of them. The album is brilliant in the way it sounds spontaneous and yet so perfectly planned at the same time.
It’s also an album rich with highlights. Every song seems to have its moment, or two, or three. However, a song like “Two Doves” is a special treat. I have a friend who wants to be married to this song. If he could find a group of musicians skilled enough to pull it off, it would most likely bring tears to all in attendance. It’s a showcase song for Deradoorian (Coffman has equally impressive “Stillness is the Move”), and she sings over nothing but Longstreth’s acoustic guitar and an absolutely beautiful string arrangement.
If “Two Doves” is the prettiest song on the album, then the following song “Useful Chamber,” is the coolest. The unique combination of the girls’ vocals (sometimes slightly affected) and the synthesizers creates for a full sound that is harmonically intricate and interesting. Ending the song with a “Bitte Orca” chant and an awesome Longstreth guitar solo leaves a lasting impression.
Like any true album however, Bitte Orca should be enjoyed in its complete form.
Every moment is carefully orchestrated, and each song has its place in the grand scheme of the LP. It’s Dirty Projector’s most accessible album because its so incredibly beautiful and catchy. It really is David Longstreth’s masterpiece. If you don’t have time to check the whole album in full, listen to some choice moments below.
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