Portland Cello Project at the Middle East

This is the Portland Cello Project.

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Last night, Bostonist had the pleasure of meeting the Portland Cello Project, an enjoyable blend of classical, rock, and pop songs played out on cello strings. From Manuel De Falla's "Danza Del Fuego" to Britney Spears' "Toxic," the group ran the gamut of sounds both typical for and atypical of the classical instrument. PCP member Anna Fritz played her own composition, "Breath and Bone," a gentle rumination on interpersonal relationships. The band moved through other arrangements, including a Norfolk and Western song and the Halo theme. Adam Thompson of Thao and the Get Down Stay Down judged an audience singalong to a string version of Outkast's "Hey Ya," accompanied by Thao member Willis Thompson on drums. Boston received a 7.9 on the Pitchfork scale for its "Hey Ya" skills, besting Milwaukee, tying Urbana, Illinois; and eking by Montreal. Toronto, however, remains in the lead. Justin Power joined the group on for a few songs, upping the indie ante on stage. Throughout the evening, PCP seemed perturbed by the noise from Throwed, the "Indie / Electro Dance Party" happening upstairs at the Middle East, so finish the evening the band fought back with its "Toxic" cover, creating a clash between cello and silicone as disturbing as the clown mobs PCP frontman Douglas Jenkins described encountering at a dual ICP/PCP show in Detroit.

All told, the diverse musical experience made Bostonist wish for the opportunity to see more cellos (and strings in general) at venues that serve PBR rather than pretension, and let you in wearing Chucks and ripped jeans. PCP is currently on tour with Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, hitting NYC tonight, Philly tomorrow, and DC on Friday.