I’m aware it’s quite a long review title! Indeed my first concert in Loppen, the venue located in Christiania, the self-governing community in the heart of Copenhagen. Feel free to check Wikipedia for some more background, it’s quite interesting (and way too long and complicated to explain)!
I was quite surprised, when i showed up at 9 pm sharp (alleged start time of the show) to be almost the only one there, apart from a couple of other people. the room slowly became more crowded, but surprisingly the atmosphere was quite relaxed for a pre-gig moment. at some point a single man came on stage, in lieu of the supporting band which never showed up. He turned out to be a part of the Brunettes, and played 4 or 5 of his own songs, warming up the crowd with some funny comments about how he didn’t have any cd to sell, but he would be glad to burn a cd for whoever had one. he played his last song running back and forth between 2 microphones, on the suddenly huge scene of Loppen, this way being able to address the whole audience.
and then around 10:30 pm the whole Brunettes finally showed up on stage to open with Structure & Cosmetics. it was hard not to be seduced right from the start by singer/guitarist Jonathan Bree and co-core member Heather Mansfield, multi-tasking behind her keyboard, sometimes playing the harmonica, then the clarinet on some other songs, her glockenspiel never too far. the band seemed so at ease on stage, it was hard not to be charmed by everything they did. and the witty banter in between songs was just irresistible. it’s refreshing to see a band which makes a point of introducing most of their songs.
(best outfit.ever.)
as for the music, the energetic twee pop they offered was quite flawless throughout the show. even though they had to deal with the crash of their computer, they managed a well rounded set-list. they are indeed the “flexible” band, as Heather pointed out.
One of the highlight of the show was B.A.B.Y. (Brunettes Against Bubblegum Youth). Modest Bree introducing the song: “If we had a hit, this would probably be the one (…) if you know the song, feel free to make the shapes with us”:
it’s quite hard to pinpoint the best moment, the night was packed with enjoyable bits, such as when the band came up with a dance contest, or their song about the Olsen twins, Mary Kate & Ashley. Another highlight was my personal favourite Her Hairagami Set:
they also played a very nice cover of Buddy Holly’s Dearest, according to Mansfield’s words “the music they found most inspiring”.
Without a doubt one of the best show i’ve seen in Copenhagen. even though they started the show quite late, they still took the time to go and talk to the people afterwards, all the while selling some of their merchandise. it’s very nice once in a while to see a band this down-to-earth. the toughest part of the night came afterwards, and consisted of trying to get home by foot at 2am under the rain. but it just added some fun to a one of a kind night…
