Fever Ray + Vuk Final Night at Webster Hall: Now’s The Only Time I Know

Fever Ray at Webster Hall, 9.29.09

In 2001, Swedish musical duo/siblings Karin Dreijer Andersson and Olof Dreijer carved their name into the electro-pop music scene as The Knife.  Their sound was arguably ahead of its time and it wasn’t until 2003’s Deep Cuts that The Knife broke through with one of the best pop songs ever recorded, Heartbeats.

I was one of the unlucky kids who missed The Knife’s very rare NYC gig in 2006 (and as a result have to endure occasional conversations of it’s greatness.) That year, the duo announced a 3-year hiatus to pursue solo side projects. Olof’s was in the DJ form of Coolof and Karin’s as Fever Ray.

Fever Ray’s self-titled debut album was released earlier this year, a solid 10-track album comprised of hauntingly beautiful and affecting music from the golden throat of the inimitable Karin Dreijer Andersson. After being awestruck by Fever Ray’s visual representation, I was on board for what I anticipated as one hell of an avant-garde ride complete with supporting act Vuk.

Last week we tapped into Vuk’s creative bloodstream in anticipation of Tuesday night’s show at Webster Hall. Vuk is refreshingly serious about her art which of course includes her live performance. Before the crowds packed into Webster Hall on Tuesday, we chatted again with Vuk who opened up about being nervous to play the huge club, but this did not come across to the warm and enchanted audience during her 30 minute solo set.

After 10PM, the stage was prepped for Fever Ray with lit incense and heavy fog-like smoke. The lights dimmed down low and 4 vague silhouettes appeared onstage through the smoke. A cloaked Karin stood center-stage illuminated by an array of lazers that lit up the clouded club  and offered quick glimpses of the band.

Fever Ray offered a rare live performance that although serving as a beautifully curated art performance, also forced the individual listener/admirer to really take it all in through a clouded lens.

I feel greatly fortunate to have experienced this live show which will no doubt be mercilessly and unsuccessfully duplicated for years to come. Long live Karin Dreijer Andersson’s creative visions, we anxiously wait the next incarnation. (Special thanks to Sheena Beaston for the classic Röyksopp track featuring Karin on Vocals and Stuart Price on remixing duties!)
MP3: Fever Ray – Seven (CSS Remix) or zShare
MP3: Fever Ray – Keep The Streets Empty for Me or zShare
MP3: Röyksopp (with Karin Dreijer Andersson) – This Must Be It (Thin White Duke Radio Edit) or zShare

Vuk