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ICAS Suite review on ArtInfo

We are incredibly busy this week and couldn't make it to the ICAS Suite events last night. But do not despair, c* sent her work colleague instead. Read the review on ArtInfo Deutschland (in German, sorry). It is sweet to read about our favourite venues in a serious art publication. Yay.

Review: The XX

As a child, if I came down with a fever, I always had the same dream. I would see two round objects move towards each other in an open space in slow motion. The closer they would get the more they would slow down. I would anticipate the big crash that was imminent but it would never come and the tension would just build and build. When I woke up, I was always drenched in sweat, exremely confused and it would take me several seconds to verify my surroundings and feel sane again. Somehow, watching the XX the other night reminded me of this, even though the band was good.

We didn't preview this gig. We didn't because I have never paid too much attention to the XX. Sure, some of the songs you hear on the radio are beautiful pop tunes. Of course we paid notice when the band played two gigs in one night at Astra a couple of years ago because demand was so high. And I absolutely know that they are a talented and relevant group. But what they do just hasn't gripped me. Hey, but given the chance to attend their only Germany date on this tour, in a theatre, seated, I would of course go.

Quick review: Eagles of Death Metal

Some famous makers of guitar amplifiers are celebrating their 50th anniversary these days. In light of that they released some near gear and threw a party at Berlin's Hansa Tonstudio. Eagles of Death Metal were willing to perform and bow to the amps, maybe got a few bucks for this, too. So I got the chance to indulge in some unusual flavours of sorbet, while watching this rock group play.

I have always been intrigued by EoDM. I love that LA song they did, it's so catchy. And I honestly think there isn't enough dirty rock'n'roll of the rockstar variety out there these days. EoDM nicely fill that gap and just rock out, with moustaches and all. Live, they were loud. I mean, loud. The venue wasn't exactly a rock club and the audience was lacking the leather trousers to go with this loudness. And there was no oxygen in the room whatsoever. But I was impressed. I mean, they have a few hits and the rest are fillers in my view, and do bore me, but boy, these guys rock so hard and display a sense of humour while doing so. I dig that. 

So we had a good time, some free drinks, and were given some real rock'n'roll in a pretentious setting, which was curiously less judging than some of the other gigs I attend. How about that. A fun night out and I'd do it again in a dash.

Moon love

Ahead of their album release next month and an extensive tour later in the autumn, Moon Duo released this video yesterday. OMG I love this so! Watch this! It is absolutely amazing, plus you may just recognise some familiar Berlin faces. The band shot the video in Berlin this summer and managed to recruit many local music startlets as volunteers.

Preview: the week ahead (3rd - 9th Sep)

This week marks a busy one for live music enthuisiasts in Berlin. Not only do we have Berlin Music Week, the co-running ICAS Suite and the Berlin Festival on but promoters across town have booked an interesting selection of gigs as well. You will see us busy and tired and psyched all at once. We will avoid sleep and rest and instead will be out and about and reporting for you. See you out there.

Monday

Jikuuuuuuuuuuu and Portraits Heads at Madame Claude: This week's Experimental Monday sound artist is the Japanese Maria Jiku with her noise / ambient drone project Jikuuuuuuuuuuu. A rare chance to see her perform and one you shouldn't miss if this is your thing.

Wednesday

Pet Shop Boys at HAU: Crazy, right? But it's true. How about that.
High Wolf at Festsaal Kreuzberg: High Wolf are part of the ICAS Suite Festival line-up and so worth your attention. Hailing from France, the project performs experimental ambient music with ethnic folk influences. It's an out-of-this world experience. Highly recommended.

Thursday

Dum Dum Girls at Bassy Cowboy Club: Pre- and reviewed by us a ton before. Fanstatic girls churning out fantastic songs. Go!

Friday

Fenster at Lido: International and local at the same time, Fenster make us proud time and again in the world out there. The weirdo pop trio is playing at Lido as part of music week. Go out and show the music industry reps what we have here. Believe me, it's worth your while!

Pantha du Prince at Festsaal Kreuzberg: Again, not the first time we are featuring PdP. This is also an ICAS Suite gig and in my view the best one on the festival line-up. Special indeed.

Skinny Downers and Sweet Sweet Moon at Madame Claude: Skinny Downers sounds like Australian fun punk to me. Wrong! They play dark wavey music, probably influenced by Depeche Mode, and are really quite good at it. The cosy setting of Madame Claude might work magic for this. A highly recommended gig.

Saturday

Telepathe and Electric Ocean People at about:blank: Electro-clash duo Telepathe are finally making another appearance in Berlin and I am excited as pie to see them. Electric Ocean People do electronica pop and will convince you, too. A very good bill at this cozy venue on Saturday.

De Høje Haele and No More Art at bei Roy: Danceable indie punk rock, tight and fun and ancient sounding, from De Høje Haele. I like!! '77 punk from No More Art. This sounds like a fun night - head on over to bei Roy if you wanna rock out!

Sunday

The World Inferno Friendship Society at Supamolli: Our favourite bohemian anarchist society is doing their annual Berlin show at Supamolli this time and it is going to be a big crazy party again. The same procedure every year.