A packed house came out of nowhere last night as the Satellite played host to Los Angeles based duo PYYRAMIDS, musical project of (OK Go’s) Tim Nordwind and Drea Smith (formerly of He Say, She Say). PYYRAMIDS’ latest musical offering “Brightest Darkest Day” is, as the name may suggest, a sweet-sour mix of grungy/moody 90’s reminiscent rock buoyed by sultry-sweet highlights betraying what is, ultimately, a smart little pop album. I went in to the show wondering if they’d be able to match the oh-so-sharp production of their album – and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. Noticeably, there weren’t any visuals or fancy light displays – but they weren’t overly missed. A cool, confident stage presence was set against a snare-drum tight sound – betraying an undoubtedly serious practice regimen. Nordwind, bespectacled as ever, hopped and swayed with his guitar while Smith kept her feet planted – coolly standing vigil at her mic-stand she rarely let venture more than a few inches away. The regular motley crowd at the Satellite served as a visual metaphor for the set’s undulating tone – one minute swaying slowly, the next thinking about dancing but (correctly) deciding to just bounce in place. In all fairness, the occasional dance-happy hipster may have been excused: PYYRAMIDS put on a dang great show. Armed with great songs and serious musical chops, they kept me and a room full of fellow East-siders happily rapt in cocoons of moody pop-rock for the 40-ish minutes of their set. Driven by Nordwind’s guitar and held aloft by Smith’s raspy, honeyed voice, they are a definite must-see when they come to your local corner of the universe. – Leslie Andrew Ridings
