The place was packed to capacity—some 500 or so people—with another 100 or so hoping to get in.

Lifesavas' Vursatyl is both a master wordsmith and showman—with Jumbo as hype man, he took the spotlight and the lead on the mic. The Helio Sequence, outfitted with an effects-laden guitar and digitally enhanced drum kit, made far more noise than seems natural for a duo.

Through each set, the sound in the club was crisp and heavy. And the upstairs bar is brilliant: cash only, sure, but no lines the entire night.

For more show reviews visit Line Out, The Stranger's music blog, at lineout.thestranger.com.