It isn’t often a Danish band graces Australian lands. Seeing Afenginn on a breezy Sydney eve is the furthest south this reviewer has seen a Nordic band. They did not melt though, rest assured.
After solid opener Leeroy Lee, Sydney natives The Crooked Fiddle Band stormed the intimate Newtown Social Club. The usual quartet was joined onstage by a double bassist, who blended seamlessly into fray. Keen but polite onlookers were told to get up and dance, which they promptly did. What followed was a set with a very noticeable ebb and flow, equal parts raucous dance folk party and Nordic beard fest.
Soon after, Afenginn bounced onstage to an expectantly warm welcome. Both headlining bands had complimentary rollicking, folk punk vibes, meaning Afenginn were in their element to people who had mainly come for TCFB. Twisting tales both eerie and funny, were spun beneath a bipolar backdrop of soft/loud dynamics. Particular mention goes to magnetic frontman Kim Nyberg for weaving of all things, the plight of a particular mythical snake, the Basilisk into a track. Stories aside, the band had utter control over the mood in the space, creating hushed atmospheres and thumping fiddle party inside the same minute.
Now get more Danes over this way! Come on, it isn’t too far!
Photos by Nick McKinlay