Lali Puna at Rich Mix

In conjunction with the release of their latest EP Being Water, German electro-pop band Lali Puna play the intimate Rich Mix in the heart of East London. Now a trio – minus Markus Acher of fellow German ensemble The Notwist – the group put on a dreamy performance of ethereal tunes, punctuated throughout by energetic drum solos.

Settings things off with the ever-calming Bi-Pet, vocalist Valerie Trebeljahr’s delicate vocals carry the track, providing an airy buoyancy. LED lights project running lines, mirroring computer code, under a silver disco ball on the ceiling, adding to the relaxing ambience. Next up is the wonderfully reformed cover of Kings of Leon’s The Bucket, shimmering synthesisers reflecting those of the Tennessee four-piece, while Christoph Brandner’s electronic drumming keeps a good beat; though Trebeljahr’s vocals aren’t as clear as they should be, the rendition is undeniably sparkling and beautiful.

The drummer’s energy in older Antena Trash sees his electronic pads fall on stage, but fortunately, both he and the band continue unhindered. With Small Things the ensemble’s music evokes Glasgow’s bookish chamber pop group Belle and Sebastian, while Scary World Theory from the eponymous record invites the audience back to the dream-like essence of Lali Puna’s world. The lead singer talks to her audience about the imminent Brexit situation, exclaiming how they are “very glad to be here” to crowd cheers, then playing For Only Love from the new EP. Following some relatively calm numbers, the trio perform Everything Is Always, Brandner’s drumming exuberantly epic and magnetic.

Returning after a brief break, the musicians finish their set off with signature-style Her Daily Break and then launch into the last highlight of the evening, the album’s titular track, a much welcome foray into electro-dance reminiscent of Röyksopp’s Tricky Two, slowed down and deepened.

Though the majority of the musical melodies come from Trebeljahr and fellow keyboardist Christian Heiß, it’s the drummer who is the most exciting to see. Lali Puna successfully put on a performance despite being cut slightly short by technical difficulties at the start, the band still managing to pull off a great show where the crowd are left bobbing their feet and heads, with expressions of serene happiness.

Selina Begum
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina

For further information and future events visit Lali Puna’s website here.

Watch two highlights of Lali Puna’s performance at Rich Mix here:

Watch the video for Two Windows here: