Three Mile Pilot was great—cinematic and stunning—and I'll talk more about that in a minute. But first! Let's recall Rob Crow's many costume changes. Last night, as the frontman of Optiganally Yours, the Pinback singer graced the stage dressed as himself, a pirate, a viking replete with sword and shield, a cheerleader in a blue halter top that said "Bitch" on it, a ballerina (kind of), a trench-coat-wearing super spy, and finally, a chubby, bearded man in tiny u all while playing songs about animals, America, and some stuff I can't remember because I was distracted by the halter top.

Now, had I done any preparation for the show, I'd have expected this. All I had to do was take 30 seconds of my day to Google Optiganally Yours, and I would've see that the sometimes twee, sometimes experimental pop band is fronted by Rob Crow, and he engages the audience not just with songs, but costume changes and stage antics. But I didn't do my homework. So when Mr. Crow took the stage I was not only delighted because Hey, there's the dude from Pinback! but also, because he shamelessly took off his pants and pranced around with back-up dancers wearing plastic animal masks.

I love surprises.

Anyway, despite the tough act to follow, Three Mile Pilot's headlining set was, as previously stated, stunning. Their music is so fluid and technically proficient, yet it doesn't lose an ounce of its well-crafted character in a live setting. The only complaint I have, is one I've had before about bands like Three Mile Pilot: I don't understand the random, arty movies being projected behind the band as they play.

With music so cinematic, music that often makes the listener envision images of their own (for me it's usually floating away to sea or running through the forest), I can't understand why they'd force random footage of previous live shows and layered blurry still shots on us. There didn't seem to be any connection between the music and the projections—it was more distracting than anything.

I mean, I guess I could close my eyes... just watch my own little movies in my mind. But their music is so mellow and relaxing, I'd probably fall asleep—I fear the fever dreams their dark melodies would cause (even more so than the visions of Rob Crow in a tutu).

Maybe I needed a few beers? Or maybe, for me, Three Mile Pilot is best experienced on record.