Katzenjammer blew away all the cobwebs of the working week and immersed the dense crowd in their unique world of folk infused cabaret rock. Confused? We may well have been slightly more baffled by the kookiness of their set had we not interviewed the charming girls earlier in the evening. To my delight, they were a joy to speak to. Some interviews can be challenging, with delving questions being hit for 6 right back over my head. Happily, Katzenjammer were inviting, warm and insightful in their welcome to Connor and I, and despite making a cuppa that was hotter than the sun, we chatted for quite a while...
They are a completely fresh outfit, practising a wholly admirable and original approach to their music. They each develop ideas, write and bring various compositions to their regular band meetings, before allowing each idea to evolve into a song. If a particular instrument is required to make that song work, then that instrument get's learnt and the song get's developed. There is no defeatist or no-can-do attitude here, just a group of incredibly talented young musicians who allow their musical horizons to flourish with boundless enthusiasm.
Their latest LP release: A Kiss Before You Go, offers discerning listeners a chance to hear Katzenjammers refreshingly catchy (although cheese-free) folk pop singles (Rock, Paper Scissors and I Will Dance) as well as softer ballads like Lady Marlene, with experimental new material formulating the suburban edges of an album that lives like a busy city, with a different atmosphere and character wherever you go.
The gig itself combined their aforementioned eclectic sound with a captivating cabaret style show. Pumping the crowd immediately with the latest singles before moving onto more well-known and receptive older tracks such as To The Sea.
The crowd vocal participation on the track above was quite special. For a band new to the UK scene, they conduct themselves with exuberance and self-assurance as they lead you on a truly wonderful journey.
It's rare you'll see such a variety of instruments, played by a variety of people at a pop gig. Katzenjammer have an obvious love of their craft and if they continue to storm the UK gigging circuit like they're currently doing, I have no doubt that their infectious charm, quirkiness and unpredictability will carry them forward to huge success. This is a band who will never let things get boring.
