The revelation that Klangkarussell’s debut UK live shows contain multiple songs has caused controversy among “fans” of the Austrian duo’s body of work, which reviewers have described as “endearingly concise.”
The back catalogue in question, the duration of which can be experienced in a single Youtube video, initially garnered considerable praise from the website’s famously astute “community,” renowned for determining the cultural zeitgeist through the pithy remarks and pinpoint critical accuracy of its members.
One “Youtuber” commented: “The title of the work, ‘Sonnetannz’ (which translates to ‘Sun Dance’ in English), is accompanied by none other than a picture of a woman dancing in front of the sun.”
“I liked this.”
However, the producers were quick to raise the ire of their avid fan base by releasing the single in the UK and Ireland with a vocal track, citing the reason that English-speaking people better enjoy music when being told how to feel.
Fan Sam Davis, or ‘Sun Dancer’ as he prefers to be known, said: “All I expected from the live show was the familiar, soul-nourishing combination minimal four-to-the-floor beats, warm brass notes and playful guitar noodling accompanied by some Google images of sunsets. Instead they attempted to manipulate the audience with words and even mix in other songs that aren’t available on Youtube.”
“It was the most blindly self-indulgent performance I have encountered since I saw one of Andy C’s recent four hour sets, in which he over-estimates the length of the history of drum n’ bass by 12 to 15 years.”
The controversy has led Klangkarussell to set up a series of nights claiming to promote “musical democracy” where DJs and producers exclusively play whichever of their songs that has the most Youtube views. Rumoured acts so far include SBTRKT, who will extend the “Wildfire” section of his set from the 40% it already comprises, and Julio Bashmore supporting his headlining “Au Seve” performance with a “Battle For Middle You” set.
Jaded music critic James Welsh said, “if this is democracy, I’m moving to Pyongyang.”
