Growing up with a chaotic family and New York in the background led a young Sabrina Teitelbaum to seek solace in music. Artists such as Patti Smith and Joy Division made a big impression on the aspiring musician and so it was that years later she presented her own music to the world. Under her musical alter ego Blondshell, the American released her self-titled debut album last month and is regarded as one of the indie rock sensations of the moment. Although the role of the renowned Partisan Records could also have something to do with it. In the cellar of the Brussels Botanique, Blondshell was allowed to prove itself for the first time on Belgian soil.
There was no shortage of festivities in Brussels yesterday, as the Pride passed through the city and the city center was transformed into a large rainbow. However, about two hundred music lovers decided to retreat to the Chicory Bar of the Botanique, where Blondshell was on the program. There was no support act and so the band kicked off at a quarter past eight with “Veronice Mars” in a full room smelling of sweat. It soon became apparent that the dark cellar did not immediately turn out to be the ideal setting. Those who were not at the front, lost connection with the band here and there, despite the fact that the foursome clearly intended to sand away all polished edges.
Live, Blondshell’s songs got a less polished look and the somewhat dirty indie rock is appreciated. The slightly heavier songs were interspersed with more subdued, melancholic sounds, which showed that the band does not need a manual when building their playlist. Teitelbaum repeatedly expressed her gratitude to be able to play outside her own country and seemed almost incredulous that so many people sacrificed their evenings off to come and listen to her.
With debut album Blondshell still fresh in the memory, the band put together a set that mainly revolved around that record. Logical you would think, until singer Sabrina started telling that a number of songs from the record cannot be heard in a regular Blondshell show. This is how we got acquainted with “Dangerous” which, despite the name, has a much sweeter course and showed the band from its softest side. The fact that quite a bit of buzz rose from the room in between, did not benefit the show of the Americans. Although there was enthusiastic applause, the Brussels audience remained rather static at the candid songs of Teitelbaum and company. The heavy drums on “Cartoon” forced some movement here and there, but those present looked rather obediently at what was happening on stage.
When “Kiss City” was announced as a song about kissing, attention seemed to be awakened here and there. The soft character of the song did not miss its message and when the whole thing fell apart in the choruses, we remembered why we were in the Witloof Bar on Saturday. “Tarmac” also gave us the same feeling and thus profiled itself as one of the underrated songs on the record. After a clear message from the audience that suddenly seemed to be awake, Blondshell returned for one last time with “Remis House”, a song we hadn’t heard before, but managed to set the mood quite well.
In a compact one-hour show, Blondshell showed what they have to offer. Although the audience didn’t always seem to be attentive, we were and we saw a young, talented band that delivered a strong calling card in the Botanique.
2023-05-20 22:00:25
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