Photos and video by Abbey Braden

As most anyone in need of a year-defining dance record, we've spent 2008 enmeshed in Andy Butler and DFA's Hercules & Love Affair triumph. Along with the hardest core of H&LA fans, Abbey Braden secured entry and made the trek to Studio B for the project's first US show at 1:30AM Saturday night. Antony wasn't in the building, but the stage was packed anyway with Kim Ann and glam transexual Nomi on lead vocals, a trombone, a trumpet player, two on keys/korgs/mechanics, a live rhythm section, two dancers full on vogue-ing on the amps ("clad in Hercules oversized tees with 'Banjee' across the middle), one Andy Butler tucked behind a wall of keyboards, and one James Murphy smiling wide sidestage. Says Abbey:

They wasted no time getting to business, and Nomi took over the vox for 'Blind' 3 songs in. Frankly homegirl OWNED it, and I think she should take over the 'As a child' duties from now on (hopefully a giant DFA lightning bolt won't strike me for saying that next time I leave my apt). Kim Ann seemed a bit timid at first, but hell it's their premiere live gig, and she warmed up to the beat eventually. People were chanting her name throughout the set.

Lots post jump, including setlist and, live vids of "Blind" and "Hercules Theme Song," and a platter of Braden pics.