Paul Kalkbrenner at the Roundhouse

As the last show on his fifteen-date tour, the Roundhouse witnessed the grand finale of Paul Kalkbrenner’s Guten Tag. Drawing in a diverse crowd, the space is packed, the bar heaving and girls are selling shots – everyone is already dancing. Mobile phones shine onto a dark stage, desperate to catch the first glimpse of the techno superstar.

With more than seventeen years’ experience as DJ and producer, Berlin-based Kalkbrenner continues to create mesmeric beats: Guten Tag hit number one in the German charts. He claims that he doesn’t care for such things and is inspired by nothing, staying away from all other music when producing his own. The authentic Paul Kalkbrenner experience is one undisturbed by any outside intrusion.

Visual elements in sync with the music offer the viewer something unattainable online, or when listening to a CD. Kalkbrenner creates a unique, immersive experience, performing behind a fortress of strobe lights pounding to every beat. Fiery reds turn to cool blues relating to the change in sounds as a road projects above, as if taking the viewer on a journey.

The crowd goes wild for Das Gezabel, with beams of colour splashing onto them and the ceiling, while the words “right here, right now” suggest an exclusive moment in time as Kalkbrenner performs famous Dockyard. A powerful presence on stage even among hi-tech visuals, he stimulates every single person through his energy and passion – in a huge venue like the Roundhouse, that’s impressive. Confident and full of life, his vision is genius, leaving the crowd in high spirits to have been a part of it.

Verdict: ••••

Harriet Gibson

For further information about Paul Kalkbrenner and future events visit here.

Read our interview with Paul Kalkbrenner here.

Watch the video for Das Gezabel here: