On
Saturday, March 30th, we witnessed a very special show at Death
Disco in Athens. The project Hackedepicciotto that consist of Alexander Hacke (of
Einstürzende Neubauten) and Danielle De Picciotto (of Space Cowboys)
performed as a duo their unique music. The support band chosen for this event
was The Man & His Failures, side project of Manos K. from
Mani Deum.
The Man & His
Failures played a half hour set. Frontman Manos K. appeared with a new line up
of musicians at his side, with Alekos Sorros (keys), Memos Pilaftsis (guitar)
and Dimitris Georgopoulos (bass). They began with tracks from his debut
"Persona Non Grata" E.P. like the title track, "If
Mississippi John Hurt Knew What I've Done" and "Bathed In
Moonlight" showcasing his more crooning side. Second song they performed
was the Mani Deum track "Love Like Berlin" and them the cover "Twist
In My Sobriety" by Tanita Tikaram where things started to get more
electronic. This new more electro orientated direction was also the case with
the next song, a new track played for the first time live. Although the electro
elements stood out they balanced well with the projects sound with the persistence
of the spacey guitar riffs and bass.
Next,
Alexander Hacke and Danielle De Picciotto took to the stage taking their
positions, with Alexander on the left, Danielle on the right, both seated. As
always Alexander was barefoot holding his six string bass. While just a foot
away was Danielle with her violin and hurdy gurdy. They
started with "All Are Welcome", a gentle song sung by both that
proved to be a very nice introduction to their music. Next was
"Dreamcatcher", also from their 2017 Hackedepicciotto album "Menetekel".
On "Awake", one of the only songs I was familiar with, Alexander
looped the guitar part and took to drumming and also singing with his deep
droning voice. At this point, Alexander found the opportunity to tell us that
he and his wife Danielle have left their physical, “architectural” home in Berlin in
pursuit of a freer environment of commune away from the gentrified situation of
today’s society. Something they still have not found. With this they played
their next song "Long Way Home". For one and a half hours, the duo
captivated the crowd that had filled the club with their splendid soundscapes. A
crowd that was captivated by the droning vocals, Alexander’s improvisations on
bass, with the warmth of Danielle’s violin and her spoken word poetry. As we
have already mentioned, it was a unique show by two very talented artists that
returned to the stage for an encore after the warm reception that was given to
them by the audience.
Review + Photos: Nick Drivas
Categories:
LIVE REVIEWS
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