Fredrik
Live @ Union Hall, Brooklyn, NY 02/18/2010
62% -- that was the chance I was told they would play "1986" at this show, by the band a few days earlier after their stellar performance at the Mercury Lounge. The set-up at Union Hall however, allowed their sound to envelop another plane, with abstract projections on display behind them. (Considering the glut of bands that use video, it's always reassuring when the band, in this case Fredrik, does it well uses it to enhance the experience.) Their set included songs from both albums, including oft-loved "Black fur" and "Alina's place". The last time the band played in the States, they were a six-piece; now, they are back down to the two permanent members. This realignment actually allowed the band to provide much clearer renderings of their material, as opposed to the slight muddle of the large ensemble, and it showed in their confidence. Fredrik (the singer) then proclaimed "we've never played this song live before [sic]". They played "1986", and it was absolutely beautiful.
- Matt Giordano
