Milky Chance Review

A couple of weeks ago I headed over to O2 Shepherds Bush to see Milky Chance live. I have been a fan of this band for the last year and a half, and so I was ecstatic to get my hands on tickets.

Milky Chance, made up of Clemens Rehbein (on vocals) and Philipp Dausch (DJing), are a reggae psychedelic folk band (i.e. folk mixed with reggae electronics) from Germany.

Milky Chance has achieved great success from the very beginning. Their first single "Stolen Dance" was released in April 2013 and went straight to number 1 in many European countries such as France and Hungary.

The pair released their debut album "Sadnecessary" back in October 2013. If you haven't done so yet, I would highly recommend you checking it out. Personal favourites of mine include "Becoming" and "Down By The River."

Due to work commitments I sadly missed the support act: Kafka, a three piece band from Southampton.

So onto the main event; Kicking things off, the boys came out onto the stage in complete darkness and performed a 5 minute intro song. I thought this was great way to start - the dramatic, electric track mixed with reggae guitar beats seemed to really build up the atmosphere of the venue. After a 2.5 minute instrumental intro, the feeling of anticipation from the 4,000 strong crowd was finally answered when Clemens delivered the first vocals of the evening. And boy was the build up worth it! A man with such a distinct and raspy voice, Clemens, with his mass of wild hair, looked  completely relaxed and at ease out on stage.

For me another highlight was when the third man on stage (not entirely sure who he was) played a harmonica solo during two of their tracks (Loveland and a single that has yet to be released). The harmonica went down a treat and had the crowd going crazy. For me, the harmonica just added something extra to their already feel good tracks.

I will add this gig did leave me feeling a little unsure. There is no question these guys are talented - just listen to their album if you are not sure! No, what was missing for me was the signs of a fine tuned/ well oiled gig. The transition between songs were at times quite poor, with the stage often falling into complete darkness between tracks. Also, it wasn't until after the third track that Clemens  actually even said anything to the crowd. Don't get me wrong, I had a great night of live music. I just felt it took a good hour for Milky Chance to really get into their performance and get the party started. Negatives aside however, I did think the lighting and staging set up was brilliant. The two were completely on theme and further exposes the reggae influences in their tracks.

The set list for the evening was: intro, Stunner, Fairytale, Sadnecessary, Flashed Junk Mind, Given, Nevermind, Loveland, Sweet Sun, Indigo, Feathery, Running, Stolen Dance and the Encore: Down By the River.

Although I talk about some finer tuning needed to be made, I found the gig to be highly enjoyable. Going by their new track, these boys have kept to what they know, and for that reason I am excited to hear what new music they will be treating us to later in the year.

Upcoming tour dates: 
Sat 28th March. Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NYC
Tues 31st March. Webster Hall - NYC
Wed 1st April. Webster Hall - NYC

To see more dates for their North American tour check Tour Dates and tickets

For more information about Milky Chance check out their Twitter

Trevor Hall

Think acoustic. Think reggae. Think alternative. 

Trevor Hall is an American singer from South Carolina, US. He is most recognised by his single "Other Ways,"which was featured in the hit movie Shrek the Third. Trevor Hall typically releases beautiful melodies that are both incredibly meaningful and spiritual. 

To date, Trevor Hall has released five albums; "Lace Up Your Shoes," "The Elephant's Door,""This Is Blue," "Trevor Hall," and "Everything Everytime Everywhere." 

Artists similar to Trevor Hall include Pete Francis, Citizen Cope and Current Swell. 

I was fortunate to see Trevor Hall live when he supported Citizen Cope during their N. America tour a couple of years ago. Although I had never heard of Trevor Hall before the Citizen Cope gig in NYC, I was really impressed by his music and performance. 

When I saw Trevor Hall live I picked up a very Bob Marley esque feel to his performances. Songs which I particularly liked were "The Lime Tree," and "Unity." He was an incredibly passionate performer and had the entire audience captivated by his music. I will add however his music may not be for everyone. His music oozes tranquility and calmness  - a perfect soundtrack for when you are lounging on a caribbean beach during a very hot day. So, if this kind of music is right up your street I urge you to check him out, you won't be left disappointed.

Tour Dates: 

29th August. Lance & Debbies Wonder Bar - Asbury Park, NJ, USA 

3rd October. Knitting Factory - Brooklyn, NY, USA 

5th October. Jillian's of Albany - Albany, NY, USA

For details regarding tickets and the rest of his N.American tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/200939-trevor-hall/calendar?page=1

Bruno Mars Music Gig

If you haven't heard of this artist than you are clearly living in a cave!

With number 1 singles "Just The Way You Are" and "Grenade," this singer/songwriter from Hawaii is the real deal. His debut album "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" was released in October 2010, and reached number 3 in the US charts.

What people should like about this artist is the variety of genres his music covers. No style is too great, with rock, pop, soul, R&B and reggae just being a few examples of styles incorporated into his music.

In addition to his cool exterior and good songs, Bruno Mars is also a great performer. Many give him the false label of a soulful soft singer who sings upbeat and sometimes cheesy songs. However these views soon get turned around when they see Bruno Mars live for themselves. His live performances are both passionate and "intense" which combined with a great stage presence and showmanship, promises the crowd a good show.

Although this show is definitely going to be enjoyed more by the ladies, it still promises to be a great evening of good music for all.

Tour dates:
16th Aug. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
17th Aug. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
18th Aug. 02 Academy Birmingham - Birmingham, UK
19th-21st Aug. V Festival - Hylands Park, UK
23rd Oct. 02 Academy Brixton - London, UK
31st Oct. SECC & Clyde Auditorium - Glasgow, UK
1st Nov. The Capital FM Arena - Nottingham, UK
2nd Nov. 02 Apollo Manchester - Manchester, UK

For more information about tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/153873/Bruno_Mars.html