Chicago – Milky Chance first stole hearts with their irresistible single “Stolen Dance.” Then came the release of their debut album, Sadnecessary, through their label Lichtdicht Records. Now the German duo is seizing emotions and selling out shows, touring the world. Singer and guitarist Clemens Rehbein and producer slash percussionist Philipp Dausch, along with guitarist and harmonica god Antonio Greger played two sold-out shows at The Vic in Chicago, captivating the crowd and inciting plenty of dancing with their psychedelic folktronica.

Best New Bands caught Milky Chance’s magical performance Friday evening. The overall experience of the night is really just beyond words, but we’ll do our best to describe the overall ambiance and emotional experience.

Rehbein, Dausch, and Greger crept out on stage in a blanket of darkness. Blue lights slowly exposed Rehbein and his guitar. As he strummed away, Dausch and Gregerbegan began to glow a shade of indigo. The room went wild. Rightfully so, given this was their first show in Chicago. Tickets to both shows sold-out immediately, with fans desperate to see the band that has been dominating Chicago airwaves, crossing over from alternative radio to pop; the same fans stood in the rain hours before doors opened.

Last winter Milky Chance released Sadnecessary in the United States, increasing their fan base and furthering praise from music critics. Now that Americans are discovering Milky Chance live, the band elicits even more. Already a fan? Now you’re a die-hard. Thought them brilliant musicians? Now they might as well be gods. On stage, Milky Chance becomes so much more than a duo, and we’re not just talking becoming a trio. The light show, deep house beats, reggae vibes, sweet folk lyrics combined with soulful crooning, mini jam sessions, giant dream catchers, otherworldly totem poles, and the fantastic harmonica solos create an atmosphere filled with love and happiness.

“Down By the River” – the song that clearly inspired the stage design – was met with hollered approval. “Becoming” revealed that Rehbein’s scratchy voice is capable of a marvelous falsetto. Greger’s harmonica playing on “Loveland” evoked tears. “Sweet Sun” started a dance party, thanks to Dausch’s mojo and incredible DAW station surrounded with toms, cymbals, chimes, and hand drums. During “Flashed Junk Mind,” when Rehbein and Dausch sang, “And we were bound to the city life, flashlights when we’re falling into the night,” bright lights suddenly turned on, shining on the band, drowning them out in white light.

At one point, Rehbein asked fans to put their phones away. He said, “No phones allowed. Enjoy it, alright?” Indeed the glow of LED screens died, replaced by explosions of purple and blue lights, peppering the audience from the stage. Song after song, the lights danced with the beats. The pulsating beats filled your body, heart pounding along to the animalistic thumping, music seeping into every ounce of your body, filling your bones like a hearty marrow, leaving you filled with overwhelming joy.

Of course concertgoers went crazy for “Stolen Dance.” Whistles chirped from the balcony. Down below, a sea of head bobbed to the beat. The chorus was met with a sing-along. Afterwards, the balcony rose for a standing ovation.

Mighty Oaks started the night out with some sweet indie folk rock. Although the band is based in Berlin, the trio brings together musicians from around the world, with frontman Ian Hooper from the United States,  Claudio Donzelli from Italy, and Craig Saunders from the United Kingdom. The three share vocals and move between multiple instruments, from acoustic guitar and electric guitar to mandolin, ukulele, and banjo. Last year Mighty Oaks released their debut album Howl (Capitol). They played plenty off the LP, including “Howl” and “Seven Days.”

Mighty Oaks also played some oldies, like their oldest song “Driftwood Seat,” inspired by Hooper growing up near the Puget Sound. During the song, people clapped along and swayed back and forth. No doubt filled with fond childhood memories, Hooper lovingly pointed out that his sister, who attends college in Chicago, was in the audience. A warm smile filled his face, making plenty of women swoon.

Aside from touring with Milky chance, Mighty Oaks will be playing numerous festivals this year, including Lollapalooza. A list of dates can be found on their website.

Milky Chance is on tour now. They’ll will be also touring the U.S. this summer. Click HERE for a list of summer tour dates.

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Sarah Hess

At the age of six, Sarah Hess discovered True Blue by Madonna. This resulted in her spending hours in front of the bathroom mirror with a hairbrush microphone, belting out "La Isla Bonita" off key. Her love for music only intensified over the years thanks to her parents; her mother exposed Sarah to The Jackson Five and had her hustling to the Bee Gees, while her father would play her albums like 'Pet Sounds' and 'Some Girls' from start to finish, during which he'd lecture on and on about the history of rock & roll. Sarah would eventually stumble upon rap and hip-hop, then punk and alternative, and fall madly in love with Jeff Buckley and film photography.

After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.


You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.

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