One of the most surprising sets I caught at Pitchfork was Vancouver’s Japandroids. I knew very little about them other than the positive rumblings I’ve heard from Pitchfork, friends and their label/press people (who I’d actually toss under the “friend” category as well). But for whatever reason, I was dragging my feet on Japandroids. Well, within just a few seconds of their set, I was jerked headfirst into fandom.

Now two weeks since the performance (I swear I try to get these reviews up on time), the only things I can remember about Japandroids’ songs are that each of them had a sweet guitar riff and at least half the words seemed to be the lead singer yelling. But it wasn’t screamo, hardcore or any other kind of yelling just to yell. In a weird way, his guttural nonsense words added a melodic layer over the guitar. I guess what I’m saying is that his “AAAAH” and “OOOOH” had clearly identifiable notes contained therein — and I dug it.

More photos after the break.