|
Kraftwerk |
 |
||
|
||||
|
6-4-05 Riviera
Theatre -Chicago
Long before there were electronic acts like Depeche Mode, New Order, Yaz, Erasure and Pet Shop Boys, Germany gave birth to synthesizer innovators Kraftwerk. The time period was the mid-1970s when core members of the foursome Florian Schneider and Ralf Hütter introduced their “robot rock” revolution before Star Wars even hit the big screen. And now three decades later, the act’s influence and legacy lives on, coming to the Riveria Theatre in Chicago as part of an extremely limited run of American tour dates. The incredibly imamate opportunity was rare to say the least, especially considering it’s been approximately eight years since Kraftwerk stepped on windy city soil. However, the reason isn’t as random as it may seem, revolving mostly around the promotion of the brand new double live CD/DVD “Minimum-Maximum.” That June 2005 release served as the primarily blueprint for Kraftwerk’s current concert circuit, where the quartet traded in their large mechanical machinery for merely laptops, computer mice and sleek resting stands.
Though their
recreation of various beats, programs and elecronica arrangements was
somewhat
|
||||
|
||||
|
Web
Design By: All Rights Reserved © Hungry Mind Design 2005 |
||||
casual and without much movement, the true testament to their
entertaining ability was the back drop jumbo screen that lit up with
vibrant imagery. Take for instance tracks like “The Model,” “Autobahn”
and “Vitamin,” all of which were augmented with vivacious scenes,
respectively including those with Hollywood actresses, motor speedways
and pills falling from the sky. Additionally interesting pairings
included the futuristic visions throughout “Home Computer” and “Pocket
Calculator,” along with “The Robots” when the group was temporarily
replaced on stage by mannequin look-a-likes. However, it was “Elektro
Kardiogramm” that was the most theatrical, with the guys dawning glow in
the dark green suites that illuminated checkerboard patterns on their
bodies. Despite the probability it will be quite some time before an
opportunity like this comes up again for locals, “Minimum-Maximum” will
at least partially make up for those who unfortunately missed the
experience first hand.