Painted white teardrops are indie-rock NWA tattoos. I watched with my elbows on the stage, a loud German next to me. Murray Hill, a nice girlboy came out with a black marker moustache and 70's suit joking about gentrification, Greenpoint and N'Sync. The event was for the Ali Forney Center, all proceeds going to this great organization. Cocorosie began the night quietly, with sailor hats and Utah Jazz shorts. I hadn't listened to them too much, and I'm glad I didn't. Because I wouldn't have gotten so much joy from hearing two wonderful voices (Bianca sounding like Joanna Newsom and Sierra like an opera singer). Toy instruments, a screen behind them playing rainbow explosions. Art school laptop pop, hush-hush guitar and Sierra, the one with the painted white teardrop, playing the trumpet without a trumpet. Her lips and mouth sounding like Miles. I only wish their bass player wasn't so metal. Like watching Bjork with a member of Slayer pounding away at the bass (that actually sounds more interesting written, than in person). With their kiddy pianos they played samples, did some New Mexico synth-pop (horses wailing in the background) and one of the ladies even had on a Native American hat.

Antony sings like a bird. He came out and sang a song with Cocorosie, much to the sold-out crowd's adoration. When he returned for his set, two-piece orchestra, guitarist, bass and drums followed. Giggling, he talked about Otis Redding DVD's and falling in love with the dead Motown drummer, Al Jackson. Pillow-soft voices make me crumble and so did Antony's, though his new songs were way more upbeat and funky. I had a fantasy that Matmos would make beats for Antony's new record, making the another Vespertine-esque record. But, I had never seen an entire building cry in unison, and I mean weep quietly, solemn, as if at a grandmother's funeral, until Antony played "Hope Theres Someone." Solo, behind the piano, even his band were glassy-eyed. One of the best performances I have ever heard.

Black chucks, English teacher glasses and a suit: Matmos are what electronic performances should be. Not hiding behind their laptops, but bringing a guitarist, two percussionists and even dragging Antony to sing with them, they were both serious and playful. "Yes, dear" Martin Schmidt said to partner Drew Daniels when asked if ready. A bowl was filled with water and used as the sample from their house-y stuff on A Chance to Cut is a Chance to Cure. Warsaw crowds don't think electronic music is real. They wouldn't shut up during Matmos, but when they invited Antony back up, you could hear a pin drop. Was this a case of rockism? "Oh, they're just hitting the play button, thats not music, I don't have to pay attention" vs. "Shhhhh. He's about to sing. He deserves our undivided attention." And when Antony sang an Irish folk song, ("the song that Alan Turing was playing when the British police came to his house" Drew educated the crowd) it was truly heartwrenching. Bending his voice, layering it, Matmos played with Antony's voice like play-doh.

I talked to Drew after the show and confirmed my suspicion: he's a nice guy. But tonight will certainly be etched as one of the more memorable shows I've seen in recent times.

Moustaches should always be done with black markers.