My Dear Disco

continued

vibrating a bit. It's like sitting next to an electrical storm.

They insist the band functions as a democracy, yet all the other members defer to Tyler Duncan, whose red pants match his hair and pork-chop sideburns. "We're all music majors," says Tyler, who was raised in Ann Arbor by artistic, hippie parents, "so we have an intellectual interest in music as well as an emotional and visceral connection. It's true fusion." He says they play ancient musical instruments coupled with current technology and literally have the best of both worlds: "We try to make music that your body will appreciate as much as your mind."

When the show starts, the lights dim and the drummer stands with his profile to the crowd, showing off his sweet mohawk. It's nearly as prominent as the five-foot-long didgeridoo he holds perpendicular to his body. He blows into it, arching his back, and a deep, rumbling call fills the bar. Tyler, who's sitting on a chair downstage, slowly coaches a wailing song from his Irish bagpipes.