Picture from Gabe Baldwin
German synthesizer pioneers Kraftwerk came through Austin to perform their incredible 3-D show at UT’s Bass Hall. Three-D? As I joked, I’ve never seen a band in 2-D unless it was on my old, CRT-based TV. Seriously, the effects on the screen behind them created the three-dimensional experience if you wore the free glasses provided by the ushers. I was impressed how well they worked from my seat in the upper balcony. The numbers from their opening song “Numbers” were zooming back and forth pretty “realistically.”
I had a great time overall. As part of my post-leave life, I was enjoying everything by just being in the moment. Not like I ever took many pictures during any concert but with Kraftwerk it’s relatively easy for me. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea since their catalog is predominantly instrumental with songs averaging over five minutes; this alienates 80% of Americans and in my personal experience, 90% of women. I was just glad to finally see this quartet. Contrary to those who would tune them out, Kraftwerk was the forerunner to Depeche Mode and Erasure. (You could name all the German-based pop/rock acts on two hands, including successful Metal ones.) Kraftwerk is also the go-to sound to reinforce Mike Myers’ Dieter character on SNL.
Other cool stuff? They had the visuals for “Spacelab” customized to have the flying saucer land in Austin. Nice touch. Their first encore had robots on the stage in place of them which was fitting for the song “The Robots.”
If you get the chance, check out their more well-known stuff…seems there’s no true greatest hits album issued by them. Well, go by the setlist from Friday evening. Meanwhile, I’m going to see if I can hunt down some remasters. I’m confident Kraftwerk’s longer instrumental pieces will go over well with Somara, she says she can’t study/read with music containing lyrics.