Robert DeLong Upgraded for ‘In the Cards’ (Rough Trade Photos + Tour Dates)

For fans of electronic music, one of the most invigorating musicians on the scene right now is Robert DeLong. Though that may be somewhat surprising given that I was saying similar things about him two years ago. But DeLong has proved staying power despite what could have become a show that only drew an audience for its novelty. (His biggest hit so far includes the lyrics “make you fuckin’ dance” and his live performance requires the use of video game controllers.) But, returning with a new album, In the Cards, DeLong is stronger than ever.

His performance at Rough Trade in Williamsburg was filled with dedicated fans, all eager to get their face painted by DeLong’s crew. Opener Conway set the tone for the evening with a high energy set which had a lot of people asking who she was. But it was of course DeLong who brought out the best in the audience. With a new visual set up, including weird, absurd internet memes, video games and other cultural references skewed to his sensibilities on screens behind him and what appears to be a new performance rig, DeLong quickly kicked the night into high gear. Highlights from his new album are the title track, “Don’t Wait Up” and “Acid Rain”, but all the new material fit in well alongside older Just Movement tunes like “Complex by Degree” and “Global Concepts”. DeLong performs solo and builds up all his songs live. The mad maestro deftly switches between game controllers, drum kits, his custom Livid controller and singing with spastic glee. And of course the crowd went wild with each and every stutter, tweak and beat drop.

CONWAY