Crystal Castles

Another retrospect review - a tough one. About a year ago, Crystal Castles very much impressed with their particular performance. Still when I try to put the music into perspective, it gets a bit harder to rate this ... Gig? Performance? Dance Party? Whatever ...

Buddies: David Z., Michael M.-W.
Score: 4 out of 5
Merchandize: nope
Another gig? Another tough question :-)



Probably it's exactly how it should be. Crystal Castles perform literally. In everything they are doing, they somehow refuse to be categorized. Nearly all of their public statements end up in negation. So what can I say of this night?

Carmina Burana (Altonaer Singakademie - Hamburger Symphoniker)

The sheer power of 'O Fortuna' makes it tricky to follow the rest of the five sections. 

Score: 3.5 out of 5 (due to the tickets)

Buddy: Täubchen

Again? Probably inevitable

This is a must-hear for everybody with an interest in music. The instrumentation alone, including two choirs and soloists, two pianos, three glockenspiels, an extended percussion section, three harps, a lot of horns etc etc, is breathtaking. The music as such phenomenal.

It was very nice so be in Hamburg's Laeiszhalle once, though seating could have been better (did not see a lot, impeccable acoustics though).

Slash feat. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators

Gasometer was packed and the gig was just as expected. And one line given in this interview (German) the day before tells it all: "On stage, my whole damn existence is focused around playing before my audience. It is the ideal form to express myself. Musically, emotionally and corporally. During these approx. two hours of a gig, I am totally authentic, totally with me."

Buddy: Harald

Score: 4 out of 5

Merchandize: nope

Another Gig: after Guns'N'Roses, I guess that this one is just perfect

My personal highlight: 'Gotten', a great ballad from his first solo album.

More to follow...

The Joy Formidable

The Joy Formidable bring formidable joy to Vienna. Another example for how powerful trios can be.

Buddy: Michael
Score: 5 out of 5
Merchandize: both CDs
Another Gig: for sure


Surprisingly Szene Wien is not sold out, we expected much more fans. Also because the ticket price is simply a bargain. As working class heroes, we miss the support act (we hear their last song, which deserves a honorable mention).