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| Concert Review and Set List: Asgeir at the MilkBoy 6/17 |
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 by: JoeS - Springfield, PA
started: 06/22/14 2:48 pm | updated: 06/22/14 7:27 pm |
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Asgeir appeared at the MilkBoy on Tuesday, June 17 to a knowledgeable, sold out and enthusiastic group of fans. I am a new convert to the music of Asgeir, a 21 year-old Icelandic performer. I heard 3 of his songs on the radio and got hooked. You can't put him in a box! Is he a folk singer; Is he a poet; Is he a electronic musician; Is he a rock/progressive rock musician, yes. His performance is nothing less than eclectic on every level. He performed most of the songs off In The Silence.
His performance started with "Head In The Snow." A slow, introspective song that is part of reoccurring themes of nature, loneliness, family, friendship and the longing for meaning and purpose. Asgier writes in his native Icelandic language. John Grant has done a masterful job working with Asgeir to preserve his lovely, introspective, searching, haunting words for his english-speaking fans. I listened to this song in Icelandic and find I can still feel the words 'People waste their lives with triviality,' 'Leaving what is important for someone else.'
It took the guy mixing the show about a minute or so to get the balance perfect. With Asgier, hearing that magic voice is the key to the music and performance. He possesses an angelic, high-pitched voice, a soft yet powerful voice that engulfs the room, drills into your head. The band is a mix of traditional guitars, keys, drums and multiple synthesizers that provide the big surround sound power to the record and the live performance. His brother along with his friend Julius and three members of the reggae group Hjalmar are his band. The supporting vocals were seamless, supporting yet did not intrude on the purity of Asgeir's vocals. The band is at times soft and at time thunderous. On songs like “Torrent†close your eyes and you think, is that King Crimson? The title describes the tension in the song. The words 'Dragons of the mind are lurking in the shadows', have a Game of Thrones feel while the King Crimson, Typhoon wave of sound envelopes you.
The MilkBoy is a stand up concert venue that holds about 200, consequently, not a bad seat in the house. I was maybe 25 ft. from the stage, nice spot. If you are looking for banter or small talk with the audience, Asgier is not your man. He might have said 10 words the entire night, he did not need to, he spoke with his performance. I watched the audience as they swayed to the music many times with eyes closed. Then there was “King And Cross.†This is one of the songs that started my Asgeir addiction. A break in every why from one would expected, a 80's dance song that had the entire crowd grooving. I have to admit I joined in. I don't want to reveal my age, but when I started to follow music Nat King Cole was the rage. I could not help myself, I danced with the folks near me, what fun! In my mind, heart, and ears Asgeir is someone to watch! He has the talent as a singer and songwriter to be much more popular. Does he really want that, we'll see.
Two of the songs he performed, “Going Home†and “Higher†have a touch of John Blake and Bon Iver mixed with gorgeous vocals and expansive arrangements. 'Now the warmth of the sun has refreshed my soul' form “Higher†and 'Light, you're with me in the dark, light my way at night' from “Going Home†speak to his Nordic heritage and his connection to God. God is a frequent guest in his songs. A guest called upon to help, to listen.
A partial set list:
“Head In The Snowâ€
“In The Silenceâ€
“Summer Guestâ€
“In Harmonyâ€
“Lupin Intrigueâ€
'Going Homeâ€
“Oceansâ€
“On That Dayâ€
“Nu Hann Blaesâ€
“King And Crossâ€
“Torrentâ€
I might have missed a song, but I think this list is fairly accurate, though my memory if far from perfect. This was a special intimate concert. Special in its' expansive breadth of music and special in the simplicity of the presentation by the artist. The music did all the speaking. Intimate because of the setting and the connection with the words and music of Asgier. One of the very best concerts I've been to in the last couple of years. I'd go see him again this week if I could. Give his music a try, you might find a source of solace and inspiration in his music.
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| (1) response |
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| by: JoeS - Springfield, PA | responded: 06/22 7:27 pm |
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| http://youtu.be/D-dHIkF_lO4 |
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