Video: Dirty Mittens – MFNW #10

It’s no mistake Dirty Mittens have been pinned as a “dance pop” group. Influences from ’60s soul have been apparent from the start, and the band’s gradual expansion to a septet (horns and all) has only strengthened their association with feel-good music. But there’s evidence that Dirty Mittens have evolved, too.

The band spent last winter recording in an abandoned Masonic temple in North Portland, and the enchanting, sun-drenched space was the obvious choice for documenting a performance of their unreleased track, “Arcadia.” Assisted by a balcony choir (including members from Monarques, Y La Bamba, and Great Wilderness), the group’s joyous handclaps and playful guitar melodies build to an extended final chorus with frontwoman Chelsea Morrisey belting it out with classic pop charm. Though the beautiful space surely inspired an epic feel to the performance, Mittens guitarist Ben Moral explains that the temple wasn’t the only reason spirits were high during the session. “Monarques got drunk at 6 in the morning to go film our video shoot with us – which is admirable, and impressive.”

In November, Dirty Mittens hit the road down the West Coast with a new 7-inch in hand, and a full-length to follow in 2011.