I’ve been loaded with a heavy burden at my day job lately but wanted to get in an update as things are starting to heat up around here. Apologies in advance for the monster post made up of mostly flimsy previews.
Next week there is a four-day stretch of back-to-back gigs in the Zürich area that would make some festivals jealous (at least around these parts). Lets start at the beginning.
November 15th
Zürich
Frightened Rabbit-Abart OR Ratatat-Live at the Plaza
Monday starts off with a tough decision between Scottish indie rock/pop and electronic synth/riff rock.
Frightened Rabbit has been slowly gaining momentum and attention with their catchy melodies and straightforward pop sensibility. The band is primarily the Scottish brother duo of Scott and Grant Hutchison, who share their names and the stage Monday at Abart.
Part synth, part hip-hop, part slashing layered guitar, part samples, Ratatat is many things at once, and yet one. The Brooklyn duo of Mike Stroud and Evan Mast are trying out the new venue at Plaza (connected to the Plazda Cava Bar, Badenerstrasse 109, one of my favorite joints). Ratatat’s last few releases (austerely named LP3 and LP4) have been a bit stale, but here’s hoping they show up with some of their classic cuts which would be sure to please the folks at Plaza.
November 16th
Kaufleuten, Zürich
Beach House
Beach House,once previewed on this blog here, are now back at Kaufleuten for round two. I happened to catch them here back in March and this dream pop duo did not disappoint.
November 17th
Hafenkneipe, Zürich
Blitzen Trapper
Touring their latest release Destroyer of the Void, Blitzen Trapper will bring their expansive 70’s Americana sound to the tiny harbor bar located just off the Sihl River. They are a curious blend of experimental folk, alt-country, with traces of psychedelic and even a bit of prog. Single-minded they are not, and whether it is a murky murder ballad, tender folk song, or a shining glam rocker, the many influences of this exceptional band have found a fresh voice.
November 18th
Volkshaus, Basel
The Tallest Man on Earth
Dylan comparisons are inevitable for this Swedish folkster with his strained voice and beautifully delicate guitar. Yet Kristian Mattson’s music has an honest quality which enable it to find its own way, as all acoustic singer/songwriters in the post-Dylan era must do. Best to just give it a listen and see for yourself.
Filed under: Upcoming shows Tagged: | Abart, Basel, Beach House, Blitzen Trapper, Europe, Frightened Rabbit, Hafenkneipe, Preview, Ratatat, Switzerland, The Tallest Man on Earth, tour, Volkshause, zurich
