Wolfkin-Astra Stube-Hamburg (2nd of Feb)

Here's another one I've been threatening to do for ages... I've made my love of Wolfkin somewhat clear in the past (you'll have to rifle through the archives, but here is a great place to start) I know it's been a while, but hey, you want to hear what I have to say, don't you?

For those of you who don't know Hamburg too well (or at all), the Astra Stube is teh world's smallest venue. Ever. I didn't think that anything could rival the Betsy Trotwood in London, but this provides some serious rivalry. Wolfkin, though, were all the better for it, and the smell of cigarette smoke and beer in a room crammed with 80-odd people who could barely move (are you sure that was legal?!) and were anxious with anticipation.

Wolfkinare one of those bands who invite you into their own private world, and you feel all the better for entering it.

Although their backing singer and manager were both sick (I hope thy're both better now, poor petals) the boys managed to rip through "Brand New Pants" with the kind of relish that's rarely seen outside of hometown gigs. "These are all illusions" seemed to take on a new meaning, while "Brand new pants" had the crowd dancing away (it was nice to hear thst non-dancing is prevalent in places other than the UK, and that dancing is appreciated...of course, I'd never do that in the UK), and people at the back stood on chairs.... the set went FAR too quickly, and, after running out of songs to play, we were treated to an encore of several the songs they'd already played, with teh crowd retreating even further into their world.

Wolfkin, then, my dears. They really have to be seen to be believed. And even then, you might not be able to leave their pop-tinged magical world for a week or so afterwards, and you'll never, ever be the same.

On a pseudo-gossip magaine strand, I can also report that they're lovely, lovely, lovely, and can more than hold their own in the drunken rock clubs of St pauli... but that's another story...

Just as a quick aside, I'd like to thank Jan (and Kruemel) from Queenaboutmusic/Crunchy Frog for their help. I'm sure they know why. Never say I'm not transparent!