What Are Time Chords? A Closer Look at the Dirty Projectors Unique Sound
The Dirty Projectors have been making music for over a decade, but their sound still remains elusive and hard to categorize. One key aspect of their distinctive sound is the use of "time chords", a concept that the bands leader and primary songwriter, David Longstreth, has described as "time-stretching the harmonic rhythm".
But what exactly are time chords, and how do they work?
Essentially, time chords involve stretching or compressing the timing of chords within a song, creating unexpected and shifting harmonies that can be disorienting, but ultimately rewarding for the listener. This technique often involves using odd time signatures, such as 7/8 or 9/8, which creates a sense of asymmetry and tension.
The Dirty Projectors have been using time chords since their earliest recordings, but the concept was pushed to new heights on their 2009 album "Bitte Orca". This album featured songs with intricate, multi-layered vocal arrangements that would frequently switch between straightforward and complex rhythms, while still maintaining a sense of catchy pop accessibility. Tracks like "Stillness Is The Move" and "Useful Chamber" showcase this technique at its most effective, with Longstreths distinctive falsetto vocals weaving in and out of the shifting chords.
But how do the Dirty Projectors achieve this unique sound?
According to Longstreth, the use of time chords is often a collaborative effort between the band members, with different instruments and vocal parts playing off each other and creating unexpected harmonies. Longstreth has described his approach to songwriting as "mathy", with a focus on intricate, interlocking patterns and rhythms. But while the music of the Dirty Projectors can be complex and challenging, there is also a sense of joy and playfulness in their sound, with hooks and melodies that can be instantly memorable.
In recent years, the Dirty Projectors have continued to explore the use of time chords in their music, with 2018s "Lamp Lit Prose" featuring more straightforward pop songs alongside their more experimental tracks. While this technique may not be for everyone, its clear that the Dirty Projectors have carved out a unique space within the indie rock landscape, blending elements of R&B, world music, and experimental pop into something that is entirely their own.
So next time youre listening to the Dirty Projectors, keep an ear out for those time chords - they may just surprise and delight you. |