Review: Caribou at Union Transfer Philly 11/20/2024
Words: Rita Thompson | Images: Kamiah Gray
Some experiences make you realize the right soundtrack can turn the most mundane moments into something unforgettable. I first stumbled onto Caribou’s music in highschool when “Silver” graced my Pandora station while kicking it with friends in my parents basement. Fast forward to now, I was eager to see how his ability to craft immersive, genre-blending textures translated live.
The Canadian electronic mastermind (known under various stage names; Caribou, Manitoba, and Daphni) took the stage at Union Transfer for his Honey Tour on Nov. 20th. Initially slated for Franklin Music Hall, the show’s move to Union Transfer turned out to be a fortunate shift. Considering the venue’s (in my humble opinion) world-class sound system, it’s the ideal space for Caribou’s lush, layered soundscapes, promising a performance that could blur the lines between sound, space, and self.
Stepping into the venue initially felt like entering an empty space, the air thick with quiet anticipation. What began as a sparse crowd, however, transformed quite quickly. By the time “Volume” kicked off, the quiet waiting room turned into a pulsating, electric force. The venue became a living, breathing extension of the music, its dynamic range wrapping around the crowd with a richness that’s hard to match.
The Canadian electronic mastermind (known under various stage names; Caribou, Manitoba, and Daphni) took the stage at Union Transfer for his Honey Tour on Nov. 20th. Initially slated for Franklin Music Hall, the show’s move to Union Transfer turned out to be a fortunate shift. Considering the venue’s (in my humble opinion) world-class sound system, it’s the ideal space for Caribou’s lush, layered soundscapes, promising a performance that could blur the lines between sound, space, and self.
Stepping into the venue initially felt like entering an empty space, the air thick with quiet anticipation. What began as a sparse crowd, however, transformed quite quickly. By the time “Volume” kicked off, the quiet waiting room turned into a pulsating, electric force. The venue became a living, breathing extension of the music, its dynamic range wrapping around the crowd with a richness that’s hard to match.
|
|
The show featured a blend of Caribou's signature breezy pop melodies and heavier, more experimental electronic beats, with the live band providing for a bold reinvention of the studio sound. The bass punchy, without being overwhelming, the highs crisp, and the mids rich, filling the room with a warmth that pulled you deep into the experience. Familiar songs like "Climbing" and "Odessa" found new depth and energy, transforming into something more than just to hear; but something to experience with your entire body. The space, the sound, the crowd—everything felt amplified in a way that was almost tangible.
The uptempo beats and driving rhythms of tracks like "Only You" and "Never Come Back" felt tailor-made for the live setting, evolving into powerful, visceral anthems that demanded movement. The space was alive, with sound spilling into every corner with a clarity and depth that made you feel the tracks as much as you heard them. The percussion, live synths, and Dan’s commanding presence behind the kit created a sound that was fuller, faster, and way more visceral than anything you’d hear through headphones. Each song was a new chapter in a sonic narrative that felt both unpredictable yet inevitable.
As the show continued, the energy in the room was palpable. Hands were lifted, and phones were absent. Caribou wasn’t merely performing; he was orchestrating a shared experience and guiding us through a collective journey. It was a shared surrender where the music and crowd synced seamlessly, all vibrating to the same frequency.
Lighting designer Brian Kelly warrants nothing short of a standing ovation as well. The show he orchestrated was a visual tour de force, so dazzling and immersive it felt as though the sun had been swapped out for a few hours. The interplay of strobing flashes, sweeping washes of color, and precisely timed cues synced seamlessly for an absolutely hypnotic journey. It was, without a doubt, the most brilliant and all-encompassing light display I’ve ever encountered at a live performance.
Though the North American leg of the Honey tour has come to a close, if you can catch Caribou live, I can’t recommend it enough. The way his original compositions are reimagined and brought to life by an exceptional band, combined with the breathtaking light show, creates an entirely new dimension to his music—one that goes far beyond what can be captured in a recording. It's an experience that immerses all of the senses, weaving together every note, every beat, and every pulse of light into a moment that lingers long after the final song fades.
The uptempo beats and driving rhythms of tracks like "Only You" and "Never Come Back" felt tailor-made for the live setting, evolving into powerful, visceral anthems that demanded movement. The space was alive, with sound spilling into every corner with a clarity and depth that made you feel the tracks as much as you heard them. The percussion, live synths, and Dan’s commanding presence behind the kit created a sound that was fuller, faster, and way more visceral than anything you’d hear through headphones. Each song was a new chapter in a sonic narrative that felt both unpredictable yet inevitable.
As the show continued, the energy in the room was palpable. Hands were lifted, and phones were absent. Caribou wasn’t merely performing; he was orchestrating a shared experience and guiding us through a collective journey. It was a shared surrender where the music and crowd synced seamlessly, all vibrating to the same frequency.
Lighting designer Brian Kelly warrants nothing short of a standing ovation as well. The show he orchestrated was a visual tour de force, so dazzling and immersive it felt as though the sun had been swapped out for a few hours. The interplay of strobing flashes, sweeping washes of color, and precisely timed cues synced seamlessly for an absolutely hypnotic journey. It was, without a doubt, the most brilliant and all-encompassing light display I’ve ever encountered at a live performance.
Though the North American leg of the Honey tour has come to a close, if you can catch Caribou live, I can’t recommend it enough. The way his original compositions are reimagined and brought to life by an exceptional band, combined with the breathtaking light show, creates an entirely new dimension to his music—one that goes far beyond what can be captured in a recording. It's an experience that immerses all of the senses, weaving together every note, every beat, and every pulse of light into a moment that lingers long after the final song fades.
Listen to Honey by Caribou, released October 4th, 2024
