 
ULU, London, 22 October 2003
John Marshall
4 November 2003 This review also references the supporting band, Client. synthpop electronic | Since finally seeing Depeche Mode a couple of years ago, it was my main ambition to see Kraftwerk. Of course now they've been split in half I never thought I'd see the full magic but maybe something close. When I saw that Karl Bartos was playing - and including some Kraftwerk songs in his set - I was intrigued thinking this might be the closest I'll get.
The venue didn't look like it was sold out which surprised me, but the very enthusiastic crowd more than made up for this, and support band Client got a very warm reception. Client feature Sarah Blackwood on lead vocals who was the singer in Dubstar. They're kind of an electro-Clash style band although unlike most such bands had someone who has personality and can actually sing rather than the usually scruffy no-hopers screaming into microphones. Some songs were spoken and some were sung. Both styles were excellent. It was mainly keyboard although there was guitar/bass playing adding depth throughout.
Then the moment arrived. There was a wealth of keyboards and equipment for visuals set up. This was the biggest sense of anticipation I'd felt at a gig in a long time. Then it began. Numbers filled the screen behind and an electronic-style voice started counting. Karl Bartos took the stage to rapturous applause and proceeded to play the rest of the song which now became obvious to me: it was 'Numbers'. I didn't recognise it at first being counted in English I guess! This was soon segued into 'Computer World'. I couldn't believe what I was hearing: it sounded perfect: everything I would have ever wanted if I'd seen Kraftwerk themselves. Karl's vocals were live and he actually played his equipment unlike a lot of electronic bands who just stand there to pre-recorded work looking bored. This man was loving every moment of it. He was joined onstage by keyboard player and vocoder Dave Anderson and visuals were provided by Karsten Binar who was also present. The ULU isn't that big and I was quite close to the stage, so it seemed kind of low key and personal and I could see everything perfectly.
Another thing which I was slightly sceptical about was what his new material would be like, as I had gathered most of the set would be that. There was no disappointment here as it was all excellent and if they had been packaged as Kraftwerk songs I doubt there would have been many objections, well certainly not as many as evoked by the repackaged remixes Ralf and Florian like bringing out. 'I'm The Message' was the first of the new material and Karl announced it was all about "Communication" which is the title of his new album which I've yet to hear. It was quite synthpop in a way. '15 Minutes of Fame' sounded excellent - one of the stand out songs of the night even with Kraftwerk songs being featured. 'Electronic Apeman' sounded the most up-to-date song of the new bunch. It'd put most electronic bands to shame. It had an excellent pop sound and a great electronic voice provided by Dave Anderson.
The night seemed to be mainly Kraftwerk material though and as each one came up I was surprised and completely blown away. 'Home Computer' drifted into 'It's More Fun To Compute'. He played 'Tour De France' which was a total surprise. It sounded a lot closer to the original than the recent remixes and there were also visuals for this, showing cyclists and a massive map of France which looked so good with the music. When he introduced 'Computer Love' I was completely overwhelmed: never did I think I'd see this song live and never did I think it would sound so good. This was followed by 'The Model', complete with visuals of models in the background. I'm not that familiar with "Electric Café" but hearing 'The Telephone Call' live was a sheer treat. 'Trans Europe Express' sounded so powerful with its thumping beat, and to end the set 'The Robots' was simply sublime. After this never have I heard a crowd wanting more so much, but I wasn't sure if we would get an encore. To my delight we did and it began with 'Pocket Calculator' to which I actually found myself playing air calculator!!! Then there was another new one 'Ultraviolet' which sounded pretty much in the vein of old school Kraftwerk, and for me probably the best out of the new bunch. To end things was 'Neon lights' which I really never expected to be played. It was simply beautiful and an excellent finale to one of the best gigs I've been to.
Kraftwerk are said to be touring next year. Karl Bartos has now set a standard which I think will be hard for them to beat.
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