Live Review: Fritz Kalkbrenner – Sick Travellin Tour At Oval Space, London

Live Review: Fritz Kalkbrenner – Sick Travellin Tour At Oval Space, London With undulating excitement pulsing through those who entered the Oval Space in London, BBM Live Magazine headed out on Friday 1st March to catch Fritz Kalkbrenner on his Sick Travellin tour.

“One of the most underrated producer/DJs,” was the feeling of Amélie, a fashion designer from Paris now based in trendy Stoke Newington. Moritz, an art dealer from Berlin, could barely hide his delight or enthusiasm (the man was struggling to contain himself) for the, “accessible…dynamic tunes.” This was an educated international set hung up on the intelligent sounds of Fritz Kalkbrenner.

With only one date on his Sick Travellin tour landing in the U.K. the Oval Space provided incredible surroundings to augment his warm soulful house beats in London’s East End. The venue, settled between two old gas holders, provided an industrial backdrop for the assembled diaspora. Many who had travelled from all over Europe to be in London were there to hear the delivery of his second instalment, the appropriately named Sick Travellin, and tracks from his debut Here Today Gone Tomorrow.

Even for his animated overenthusiastic riposte, Moritz is spot on regarding Fritz’s diverse repertoire. Willing with its strong soul and Hip-Hop influence is countered by ‘Humin’ Hills’, a track straight out of the Berlin Tech House scene. Kalkbrenner’s passionate delivery and ability to maintain a crowd through sheer brilliance of delivery, both vocally and in his live production, was consistent through the two hour set. Language not an issue for the gathered crowd as they danced marvelled and occasionally shared an embrace. The draw of the journey is considered as the careful genius of melodies of ‘Get A Life’ and ‘Can’t Stand The Fire’ accompany the huge beats of ‘Wes’ and ‘Make Me Say’.

Comparisons to brother Paul have always created an idea that the younger Kalkbrenner is underrated, but this is something that Amélie may have changed her mind on come the end of the set. There was no doubt at this point that Fritz is a genius producer, performer and master DJ. Since his debut album in 2010 he has been a constant on the club and festival scene around the world. The success of the Sick Travellin tour confirms this with a sell out at London’s Oval Space and new dates being added in Germany and France.

As the tour continues across Europe and on to Asia it is worth checking to see if Fritz’s suitcase is landing in an airport near you. Until he becomes Sick of Travellin, or his passport expires we are only going to hear more genius from the nomadic musician.

By Thady Ramos

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