Cameo Gallery was packed Friday night for Xeno & Oaklander's headlining show, and the night did not disappoint. We arrived in time to catch part of Frank Alpine's set, and the Los Angeles group's mastermind, Rich T. Moreno, served up solid synthscapes and compelling vocals with the help of an additional sidekick. Brooklyn's Led Er Est was next and, after a lengthy set-up time, they plunged into a collection of energetic tunes, balancing dark synths, hooks, and acoustic and electric guitar.

The night ultimately belonged to Xeno & Oaklander, though. After carefully removing their all-analog equipment from bubble wrap-padded carrying cases, they set up, plugged in, checked their mix and played a spot-on set of beautiful, shadowy synth tunes. It may fall under the moniker of "cold wave," but X&O's music is full of a warmth stemming from carefully molded textures and songwriting that seeps with a restrained but earnest passion. Sean McBride mans the sequencers and primary synth lines, singing in a commanding and even tone. Liz Wendlbo produces knob-turning electronic ripples, while offering aching vocals that sound like an ancient siren beckoning mariners towards the rocks. The duo looked happy to be playing and they maintained a terrific momentum until the encore, when their tight orchestration teetered a little bit. That final song was nonetheless a satisfying end to the evening, offering one last taste of X&O's distinct sonic atmosphere.

Xeno & Oaklander:

Led Er Est: