AJR in the Theaterfabrik: Profound and very danceable
Created: 10/16/2022, 10:25 p.m
By: Catherine Brack
AJR are brothers (from left) Ryan, Jack and Adam Met. © Propeller Music
The American indie pop trio AJR ("Weak") enchants in the Theaterfabrik and makes you want to go to bigger concerts.
Our criticism:
There is a special magic inherent in every first time.
So you can believe Jack Met when he explains in astonishment that he and his brothers never thought they would come to Munich.
To play a sold out concert.
The audience sings along to all the songs.
Their "OK Orchestra" tour took Adam, Jack and Ryan Met, who have been making danceable and profound indie pop as AJR since 2007, to the Theaterfabrik.
They would certainly have filled a larger hall.
Nevertheless, the charming location suits the charming trio: 1,400 fans, some of whom have traveled long distances, dance under the glass chandeliers to see the brothers live.
With great dedication and the two tour musicians Chris Berry (drums) and Arnetta Johnson (trumpet, keyboards) perform their often orchestral songs on the small stage in studio quality.
The big stage production that the three Americans are bringing with them on tour in their home country cannot be accommodated in the theater factory.
But that doesn't matter: The energy that the singer and youngest brother Jack Met radiates in particular literally jumps over to the audience with the opener "Bummerland".
Even if he half-seriously complains that Ryan always gets the most applause: all three Met brothers are applauded in Munich.
And from the radio hit "Weak" to the viral "Bang!" to the last singles "World's Smallest Violin" and "I won't", every song they sing that evening.
AJR know how to wrap the fears and concerns of their generation into beautiful, opulent pop music.
That sounds easy and sometimes makes you melancholy.
One wishes oneself and them a speedy return to Munich, to one of the large halls, preferably with a large orchestra.
Even if this first time was particularly magical.