Buke & Gase

With the patronage of such indie institutions as the National and Lou Reed, it's baffling that Buke & Gase remain one of our era's more underrated bands. Introducing the melodic (in)sensibilities of post-hardcore to offbeat R&B's cut and thrust, they overcame the Horseshoe's muffled sound with whiplash rhythms and minor-key vocal jingles. That the duo remained seated, tending their homemade instruments with maternal affection, gave proceedings an intimate quality, the pair's demonic lullabies tempting comparison to a mildly chilled Fugazi. As ever, the band proved unstoppably good fun, a welcome example of avant-leaning music that challenges the performer rather than listener.