the loneliest people were the ones who always spoke the truth

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and the largest in Western Norway, with a population of 256,580 as of 1 January 2010, and Norway has a similar total population as Singapore. What's the link one might ask. Well, none actually. Random fact of the day. So anyhow, Norway, particularly Bergen, has Kings of Convenience while Singapore has... soon, someone will be as good as them soon.

Kings of Convenience played their second of two sold out shows earlier this evening. Two very different guys, one lanky while the other's more solid, one pretty much more extroverted and vocal, yet have this chemistry unrivalled by anyone to make one of the most affecting music. Armed with 4 guitars (though they didn't quite use the extra ones they each had set beside them on stands), their voices, affability and simple charm, they captivated every single person present that night.

You should have heard the roars as Erlend and Eirik stepped out of the darkness. It's no wonder Erlend quipped that we were louder than [the audience] yesterday to grins and laughter. If it was anything to go by, it sure was a sign of what an awesome night this would be.

Kicking the night off with the song with unfathomable meaning My Ship Isn't Pretty, the slow and pensive tune was a good start to a Friday night. It allowed everybody to settle in and get comfy for the 17 song treatment, peppered with generous doses of engaging humour, quite unlike the 18 song onslaught (not that it's bad, it's just different types of music should be approached differently) by Muse earlier this year. After the song ended, Erlend starts peering into the darkness of the curtains and around, after which he says to no one in particular (not verbatim), "If any of you work here or knows someone who does, tell them the airconditioning on the stage is pretty strong and it's kinda cold." More laughter. My, amusing isn't he. They followed up with another 2 songs from latest album "Declaration of Dependence" before they pulled out crowd favourite I Don't Know What I Can Save You From. And there he was showing off his nifty footwork which everyone laughed at because he did so in such a comical manner, and also snapping his fingers and got the audience to do so as well. Everyone was pretty game and snapping of fingers to the tune was pretty audible and that was the first but not the last of audience participation. Gentle arpeggios contrasted by intense riffing at the chorus, the delightful duo worked the crowd into a frenzy.

Time seemed to pass so much slower as they pulled no stops with a variety of songs from all three albums. Vocals so disarmingly sincere, belying a certain gravitas they possess, they plucked away delicately singing about things such as a bearded man with his canoe, about love lost as the woman uses pregnancy to trap the guy, and even about misunderstanding between friends. Poignant and mellow, at times upbeat and singalong, they have dimension and depth to their songs, and they convey that with earnestness. One thing strikes me about this duo - they are very down to earth and quite laid back. Pretty sure they lead the simple life of music making and family and friends.

Throughout, they entertained us with small anecdotes and larger engagements. From Erlend the conductor for Peacetime Resistance where he conducted oohs and ah-ah-ahhs from the floor and balcony audience respectively to Erlend the dancer and finger snapper, even Eirik chipping in with his bit on how they don't actually have much love songs, and yet when they perform, people still tell them that "my boyfriend and I like to listen to you love songs" and he deadpans again, "we don't have many love songs really". Oh how can anyone not love them both?

And of course, no show is complete without an encore and we got one after a short disappearance. After Singing Softly to Me, there was the cheery I'd Rather Dance With You, which Erlend did the most unexpected, he got off the stage, climbed over several front row seats as the crowd opened up like Moses splitting the red sea, and started dancing. Cue flashes (camera flashes that is) and screams as the fans when wild. He danced and cajoled the others for a good minute or so, before going back on stage. And just as they seemed like they were gonna leave the stage, the two conferred for the briefest of moments before Eirik declared that they were gonna play a last song, which was Homesick. Were they inferring that they missed Norway, since they're on a tour right now? Well, only they would know.

Kings of Convenience really showed why quiet is the new loud, attested by a marvellous show of vocals and showmanship. With a third album of even more down-tempo intricate tunes with finely crafted lyrics, one wonders if anyone will tire of them. The answer would have been a resounding no.




The setlist for 19 March is here.

My Ship Isn't Pretty
24-25
Me In You
I Don't Know What I Can Save You From
Little Kids
Cayman Islands
Renegade
Thirteen (Big Star Cover)
Second To Numb
Mrs. Cold
Peacetime Resistance
Rule My World
Misread
Boat Behind

Encore:
Singing Softly to Me/Girl From Back Then
I'd Rather Dance With You
Homesick


I was kinda hoping they would play Toxic Girl. One of my favouritest KoC songs.