On the surface, Danish post-rock band Efterklang, experimental Oakland hip-hop act Subtle and mysterious Pittsburgh psych-poppers Black Moth Super Rainbow have little in common. The three acts hail from different parts of the world, write songs that occupy different bands of the emotional spectrum and can, for all intents and purposes, be filed away in different sub-genres. In a live setting, however, the distinctions and genre lines that separate these bands crumble, giving way to a show that feels more like an act in three parts than three separate performances.

First up was Efterklang, performing as part of their first ever U.S. tour. Having only played a handful of shows in the States thus far, you might think that the band would be a bit shaky, at least at first. Quite the contrary: all eight players in Efterklang came out swinging from the moment they hit the stage and, quite frankly, stole the show. Playing a selection of melodically assessable post-rock numbers from their two full-lengths and numerous singles, EPs and mini-albums, the band easily won over the audience with their energy and charm. Trading off instruments between songs, the members of Efterklang operated in a number of different configurations of guitar, drums, bass, violin, trumpet, keyboard, laptop, tambourine and trombone. To the soundman’s credit, the mix was crystal clear for the duration of the band’s set, placing the emphasis squarely on the songs, which often recalled the major key transcendence of Sigur Ros, albeit with a heavier emphasis on electronics.