Jaga Jazzist, Ruphus, Kim Hiothøy, Röyksopp @ Pstereo Festival
Trondheim, Norway 21st-22nd August 2009
Jaga Jazzist
Filling the air with bombast and energy, JJ made their way into the evening, on a wave of cheers and anticipation. Less a band, more a sonic army, their militant brand of “big band” acid exploration jazz, rang nicely through the sweet and moist summer remains of the day. A varied set ensued, with mostly new songs set aside for their upcoming album, offering an edgy preview of their maturing style.
With immense sound, the many members of the band each carefully, yet passionate laid down beautiful flowing layers, rippling harmonically in one unified freak flag. Yet, creeping around the base of the poll, one couldn’t help feeling a malevolent presence. Not necessarily the typical optimistic, euphoria riddled groove outs of the past, this performance showcased a new techno underbelly — which, in my mind added much needed grit to this supper slick outfit — a more mature and potent groove. Their new album is eagerly anticipated.
Ruphus
After the ever evolving Jaga, a short stroll after refreshments lead to a whole new sound (though very old in origin) booming from the Cannon stage — Norwegian progsters, Ruphus! These aging hippies may have had their day in the 70s, but under a rainbow, with the cry-baby a “wah-wahing” and the layered vocals soaring (á la Jefferson Airplane), the mood was refreshingly retro!
Kim Hiorthøy
Onwards! From the dinosaurs to the digital age, those in the know made their way in droves and masses towards the “Techno Tent” (Basstionen), to pay homage to the Trønder King of Kultur: Kim Hiorthøy! A man of many talents, none of which are hidden, Kim did not let his loyal subjects down. Engaging the bounce bunch on their terms, KH gave the people what they craved and one could not help but be sucked onto the floor. With a hint of that rousing late 90s London club sound, inhibitions were lowered and arms were raised. A heaving and sweaty sea of hipsters lapped up what was a truly bitchin’ set, which will live long in memories of those in residence.
Röyksopp
Finally, as the wee small hours beckoned, an air of excitement was brewing as the moment drew nearer. Around 22.45, all stragglers were suddenly awakened with new purposes and drive as they instinctively swaggered, in big wide steps, toward the main stage. Beer queues diminished and crowds thinned, from very capable performances from Harrys Gym and Ulver, to get in place and limber up for the main event, after all… Röyksopp were in town.
They took to the stage in faux regal galactic garb and quickly unleashed some banging tunes from their repertoire, both recent and classic. Featuring Anneli Drecker on stage, their combined performance was every bit the pomp and magnificence that the adoring hoi polloi afforded them. With spellbinding stage presence, hypnotic pyrotechnics and the cooling dusk of an evening richly spent, one was left simply basking in the reverence of a truly fine gig.
Photos: Rolf Anders Storset
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