Klak Tik: The Old Queen's Head 17/10/10

I don’t often venture into The Old Queen’s Head on Essex Road.  What really turns me off is the way it screams, ‘check out my shabby chic vintage interior and my selection of over-priced imported beer.  I’m trying so hard to be cool. Please love me!’

Last night however, hidden away upstairs, they had something worth shouting about.  Klak Tik are multi-instrumental eight piece, playing ethereal folk music in the vein of Sufjan Stevens and Beirut tinged with a splash of Sigur Ros.  

Søren Bonke, a Dane living in Dalston, is the driving force behind Klak Tik.  I am astounded by the breadth of his creative vision.  It’s hard enough to put on a show when it’s just two dudes with guitars but Klak Tik is an orchestra which Søren commands with rabid intensity.  It’s astounding to see how effortlessly Søren and bandmate Matthew Mitchinson glide between instruments. 

Although Søren now resides in our beloved Dalston, the sound of Klak Tik is far removed from the chaos of Kingsland High Street.  It’s a sound much closer to the majesty of the Danish Fjords.  It seems a shame that a band of such majestic proportions should be playing in a room upstairs in a pub.             

After the show my friend remarked,

‘Why was this a free gig?  People should be paying to see these guys.’

It’s true, they deserve a venue that befits their sound.  I would love to see them play The Union Chapel or somewhere where the acoustics would do them justice.  No doubt bigger venues will be snapping them up soon.

Another band worth mentioning was This is Laura.  This is Laura is what would happen if Beirut was comprised of three hot chicks singing like a pre-crack Amy Winehouse.  

It’s nice when great things turn up in unexpected places. AB

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