Support act: LPG
Local band LPG replaced José Gonzales as the opening act. It is always difficult to open for a band that has such a distinct sound as Zita Swoon,
especially when everybody is expecting someone else on stage and nobody has ever heard of you. The audience was giving
LPG a hard time, not paying much attention to the band, chatting with their friends, their backs turned to the stage.
When they came on there were only a few people standing in front of the stage, most were sitting at the back and sides
of the club. Their opening song was very nice. The guys' voices all sound great together and it's a good way to
introduce themselves to the crowd. Overall I think the band had a nice sound, but because the audience was so blank they
didn't get the chance to fully show themselves. Official website.
Zita Swoon
The team that is Zita Swoon has changed dramatically over the past two years. Several people left, but even more people joined the band
and I was looking forward to seeing them with this new lineup. The core of the band still is Stef Kamil Carlens, responsible
for the distinctive Zita Swoon sound and vibe. Guitarist Tom Pintens used to be responsible for the backing vocals, but this task
is now done by three lovely background singers, who happen to be sisters. They are brillant vocalists and were having a blast on stage,
which added to the atmosphere. Besides listening and dancing to the music, there is a lot to look at when Zita Swoon are on stage; there are two drummers, a keyboard player,
a bass player who switches from an electric to a huge acoustic upright bass frequently, a guitarist, the three girls and of course
SKC himself, who was looking great as usual.
If you know Zita Swoon's music, but have never been to a live performance before, you will probably have a hard time recognising
the songs. Music is an ever evolving thing and a song being on an album doesn't mean it is finished. Especially not when the lineup of the
band has changed. New members bring new ideas and Zita Swoon are very good at reshaping the music to their songs. Fast tracks become slow,
slow tracks are turned bluesy and blues songs are suddenly uplifted and have a discobeat. The only thing that basically stays the
same are the lyrics. The band have a party and expect the crowd to have one as well. Dance, sing, enjoy yourself. Experience the music,
let it absorb you and drown in the explosion of sound, but stay alert, you need to listen carefully. Zita Swoon is not a band for
lazy people. If you pay attention you will hear how cleverly the music is arranged. Feel it.
The setlist was a nice mix of songs of the latest album A
Song About A Girls and older work. When they finished their last song and left the stage, the crowd went crazy, shouting, clapping and
stomping their feet until the band was back on stage. They were very happy to play a little longer, but even that wasn't anough for us,
so when they said their second round of goodbyes, we did our very best to make even more noise than the first time. And with result,
SKC came back out, joined by Tom who exchanged his guitar for the keyboard and did one more song together. My arms hurt from clapping,
but it was well worth it!
Verdict: Fabulous as usual. If you ever get the chance to see this band, take it! Experience the Zita Swoon vibe, it's addictive.
Imre
Pictures of this gig are here!
