I hear The Octopus Project is always a mind-blowing show to catch live, but try going to one without having ever heard their music, know their style, or have an inkling of what they’re all about. That’s exactly what I did this weekend. (Thank you Granada Theater for a completed show this time.)

I waited patiently for Ume, the opening act, to finish, and prepared myself to be blown away.

It was time. The band’s movie-score-esque, melodramatic instrumentals were melodic enough, but I wasn’t sure it was inducing the same effect I was promised. Three songs into the set, I was  more bewildered. Where’s the theremin I was prepared for? Wait. Where’s the girl in the band?! Oh yeah, that’s This Will Destroy You. Not Octopus Project. Two opening acts? Come on!

After all the bewilderment had passed, they were done and it was really time. A good-looking group decked out in casual ties, and yes, one girl in a cute dress came on stage. They enthusiastically thanked us for coming and went right into their performance. It was trip all right. The stage was flanked with two screens continually playing psychedelic video interpretations of their music. Each song was more mesmerizing than the previous. And whenever Yvonne played her theremin, I was indeed floored. They even challenged “Dallas dancers” to show them our stuff. I obliged with a rhythmic body sway.

The night ended with a serendipitous sighting of Josh and Yvonne on the side of the theater. Yep, I said hey.