concert #17: elderbrook @ arena open air | June 2, 2023

2024-01-01 20:45:26

an electronic open-air concert of a special class: “elderbrook” gave the Viennese audience a complete performance!

It was my first arena open air that year and I was so motivated. “Elderbrook” was on the schedule and I knew what to expect because it was already my third concert by him. My anticipation was also so great because I had already seen the electronic act “Bonobo” there and that was a fantastic summer evening. Yes, electronic music at dusk in the open air – that is very appealing!

But before I might enjoy “elderbrook”, the first support act was “laurell” on stage. I was hoping that I would be pleasantly surprised, but as soon as she walked onto the stage and I saw her neon yellow top with white plastic baggy pants from the 90s, I was a bit shocked. Either completely crazy hyper-pop would be coming out of the speakers or completely boring pop music. Unfortunately, the latter was the case and I just hoped that it would be over quickly. I didn’t recognize a little mini-hit there.

At some point the time had come and “elderbrookstormed the stage. He was completely alone with his instruments and was surrounded by lights arranged in a circle. It started with the number “Numb” and at first it was actually a bit difficult to get into the right mood. I actually blame the support act “Laurell” a bit, but that mightn’t be changed anymore. But “elderbrook” knew what role he had and how the whole show depended solely on him, since he was completely alone on stage. At some point he started making really bad movements and jumped around like a bouncy ball – together with the wildly flickering light, those present in the last corner noticed: we are at an electronic concert, now we’re dancing!

In the middle of the set, Elderbrook played my favorite song “Talking” and at the same time continued to deliver lots of breathtaking dance moves as well as wild drumming on his digital drums. And then the set came closer and closer to the end – Elderbrook was still dancing very excitedly but always with longer breaks. you might tell he was tired. His speech in between that he had so many concerts behind him and was looking forward to a longer break was also understandable. After all, anyone who moves so wildly on a stage has to be exhausted at some point.

But none of this dampened the mood: the crowd in attendance was in a good mood and celebrated the British electronic artist. At some point the encore block followed, including the hit “Cola” and the audience melted into one. The concert ended with “All My Love” and yes, it was very nice and I was happy to have been there. But, what I have to say in the end: maybe it needs more than light and these crazy dance moves from Elderbrook, maybe it needs large video walls that also showcase smaller movements and don’t drain the artist so much. It would really be a shame to have the live experience with him.

So I hope that he takes advantage of his break and comes back at some point with a show that is at least as exciting but less stressful for him. After all, “elderbrook” is only human.