Efterklang was one of my favorite bands coming into SXSW, but I wondered how such a complex sound would translate into a SXSW showcase slot. Not surprisingly, the sheer size of the band led to some wrinkles in what is normally an accelerated set up, and it looked like a small Danish battalion was setting up camp as they brought drums, pedals, sleigh bells, power strips and a laundry list of other instruments and equipment up onto the stage. With such a number of instruments and cables piled up, the sound system picked up a strange and inexplicable banging sound that plagued sound check and recurred twice during the performance. I was worried that my concerns might be justified.
But the scope of Efterklang’s music exceeds even the band’s enormous (and apparently inconvenient) physical presence, and the songs came through with the same atmospheric, operatic, and symphonic qualities as the studio versions I’d come to appreciate. The sound is epic, strange, and new, with chilling vocal harmonies that keep it grounded in something undeniably human. Efterklang’s music plays like a soundtrack for a movie of all the best moments and great loves of your life, and the dramatic reach was only enhanced through experiencing the songs live and seeing them through the enthusiastic eyes of their creators. Despite my concerns, nothing of Efterklang’s expansive sound was lost in translation--- even into a short SXSW set---but only reminded the crowd that it only takes a few minutes to be moved.
Set list
Step Aside
Loose Ends
I Won’t Believe
Caravan
Mirror Mirror
Cutting Ice to Snow
DOWNLOAD: Efterklang - Mirador (MP3) or Follow us for more Efterklang MP3s (Twitter)
The Black Crowes + Truth & Salvage Co. - 11/20
Roseland Theater
Deastro + Max Tundra - 11/27
Doug Fir
Morrissey + Doll and the Kicks - 11/30
Roseland Theater
Portland Cello Project - 12/4
Aladdin Theater
Passion Pit - 12/7
The Crystal Ballroom
Ben Sollee + Daniel Martin Moore - 11/17
Tractor Tavern
The Fiery Furnaces + Cryptacize + Dent May - 11/18
Chop Suey
Mr. Lif + Dnaebeats - 11/19
Neumos
Built to Spill + Disco Doom + Finn Riggins 11/19
Showbox at the Market
Blind Pilot + Laura Veirs & the Hall of Flames 12/2
Neumos
Brett Dennen + Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - 12/6
Moore Theatre
Arlene, yours is probably the most entertaining comment I’ve read here. Thanks! Nice review too.
by Dan on Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 01.09 pm from the entry: Ghostland Observatory - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 8, 2009)
I am waiting for this mobile I am very fond of new phones I loved to use this multimedia and high definition phone these are the My favorite gadgets.They give you very nice performance with sound as well as picture quality and other multimedia
by dsi r4 on Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 02.31 am from the entry: Springsteen plays 'The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle' live (download)
i do believe RJ is god!
thank you for all your amazing music
by david on Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 12.27 am from the entry: RJD2 - "Tin Foil Hat EP" - Borrow It
Colin! I met you last night with my buddy Dan whom was asking you about your camera.
Your shots rock, your review is fantastic, and you’re ‘terribly’ cute.
Will you move to southern Italy with me and have a family?
I’m not set on Italy or the family! We can totally talk locations and drop the kids.
Love,
Your biggest fan
PS can I smell your hair?
Looking forward to the Pixies post.
by Andrew on Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 12.02 am from the entry: Arctic Monkeys + The Like - Wonder Ballroom (MFNW 2009; Sept. 18)
I was very impressed with your objective review. But one thing all reviewers (and yes, I have read them all) have missed is the ages of the fans at GLO shows. Not only are there teens, frat boys and college cuties, there is also those of us who are quite a bit older. I am well into my 50’s and a member of a group who have followed these guys for almost 2 years. We have logged many miles to watch a show like no other. These guys transcend age and gender. Do we feel awkward at these shows, HELL NO! Do we rock out as much as these younger fans, HELL YES. And appreciate it much, much more. When we are recognized by Thomas and Aaron at these shows we are asked if we are their mothers. LOL I told Aaron that once and he said did you tell them HELL NO. While we stand in line waiting for a show, someone will always say to us “Do you know who is playing Tonight?” “Yes!” “You know it is Ghostland Observatory?” “YES!” (Oh no, we thought it was Tom Jones) “Well you know it gets pretty rowdy in there.” “Yes!” “You may have beer spilled on you” By now we are asking how many GLO shows they have attended. 3 or 4 or an occasional, “this is my first” is the usual answer. Well, This is our 10th show and we just flew 1500 miles to see them and will fly back home right after the show. To this the response it always “No Way”. And after the show it is always “You guys rock” and we gets many hugs from all these kids. Now that is respect. So, not all fans are young, we somewhat olders love them also. And we will continue to follow them (as long as we can).
by Arline on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 09.52 pm from the entry: Ghostland Observatory - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 8, 2009)
Yep, excellent documentary.
by Matt on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 02.19 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
I’m sure that Friend the Devil cover will be great. I remember when I got the DVD doc. of his band’s career (Runnin’ Down A Dream) it came with this bonus cd of songs. And one of the songs was a cover of Hank Williams’ classic “Lost Highway.” Stellar. I’m sure his abilities will find their way into this song as well.
by Colin on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 01.26 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
Any way we could get jpg copies of photos from Emos shows you took at SXSW 2009? We will post on the Myspace & give you credit.
Thanks!!
Will Evans
Love these guys! So glad you covered them. Let’s see them at TT’s on Monday, Boston!