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To many, just saying the words Danish and Pop in the same sentence is enough to strike fear into the hearts of those who remember the dance routines of Aqua and Whigfield. But don’t panic, there’s more to (deep breath) Danish Pop than 'Barbie Girl' and 'Saturday Night'… honest. But if its proof you want then look no further than The Asteroids Galaxy Tour. Taking to the stage in what used to be an old horse hospital, the brass bearing six piece look apprehensive, but it’s short-lived and any hint of nervousness is immediately replaced by a collective burst of confidence as ‘Around The Bend’ opens the night. The band have only been together for eight months and this is their thirteenth gig but you’d never guess. Nor it would seem do the audience, who are largely rooted to the spot mesmerised by the incredible and kooky vocal talents of the stunning Mette Lindberg.
Pulling shapes through ‘Bad Fever’ and ‘Lady Jesus’ the audience fall into a false groove of security before the emotional fragility of ‘Crazy’ shatters the illusion. Without giving the crowd a chance to regroup, the band launch into ‘Push The Envelope’ and the passionate wall of horns that comes with it before their first single ‘The Sun Ain't Shining’ and ‘Satellite’ provokes breakout pockets of sporadically awkward dancing. Just watching the concentration displayed by Lars Iversen and the rest of the band is exhausting enough, but there’s time for one last push with ‘The Golden Age’ and another burst of pop brilliance which closes an amazing set.
As soon as The Asteroids Galaxy Tour have finished, there’s an immediate mass exodus to the South Gallery to catch Passenger who have just stepped onto another equally small stage. The heat in here might be oppressive but the atmosphere is anything but, and the small room is filled to near capacity with a mix of Camden fashionistas, industry insiders and people who simply know good music when they hear it. Acoustically driven and completely at ease with their look, style and sound, the only thing out of place is the kaleidoscopic lights bouncing off the oversized disco ball hanging above the Colgate white double bass. The partnership between Mike Rosenberg and Stephen Hodd is incredible and the intelligence of ‘Walk You Home’ and bittersweet nature of ‘Wicked Man’s Rest’ not only belie Rosenberg’s age but are the ideal vehicle to showcase his vocal range alongside performance sharpened yet carefree instrumentation.
Sometimes less is more and the haunting ‘Things You’ve Never Done’ is executed to perfection and complimented by as opposed to being at odds with the iconic photographs that grace the galleries walls; Sid Vicious is scowling at Mike and Kurt Cobain is giving Andrew a confused sideways look, but the crowd are all smiles. Unfortunately it’s a short set and one slightly marred by the fact that the bar, just a few metres from the stage, is doing a roaring trade in Vodka. But as the poetic empathy of ‘Walk In The Rain’ fades, the beautifully crafted ‘Table For One’ silences the chit-chat and for those following the lyrics stuns the crowd, before the band rounds off the night with ‘Community’.
Two long hot hours, two very different bands and an amazing night that reaffirms Passenger’s highly mastered craft and places new kids on the block, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, well and truly on the musical map.
