| Doors: 7 pm | Show: 8 pm | Tickets: 35.00 EUR plus fees |

Is it Pop? Is it Rock? If we talk about the new album, it’s definitely Rock again ;) The early stages of MANDO DIAO to come to fame passed me unattended. It was the band’s fifth album, Give Me Fire!, that was so obtrusively successful that it was impossible to not listen to it the one or the other way. Since then I have a soft spot for the Swedes, no matter if they play Rock, Electro or Garage. I like Ælita the same way as I like the new album Good Times, despite - or perhaps just because - their identity crisis that forced the band to experiment with their sound and thus to grow and develop.
My first encounter was the MANDO DIAO headlining show at Rock im Revier in 2016 and I definitely wanted to see them live again on a club tour.

No sooner said than done. The Swedes have embarked on a European tour in support of their new album Good Times, which was released in May. And they made a stop at the brand new :: Phoenix Concert Hall :: in Dortmund, Germany.
A few words about this location: The Phoenix Concert Hall is a factory building at the former steel mill Phoenix West. Hall and area were used for exhibitions and events the last couple of years. Now the hall was rebuilt as a concert hall for 3600 guests and was re-opened on November 16. Tonight’s show with MANDO DIAO marks the second one in the history of this new place.
And this new venue is truly awesome! Not completely done yet but already looking good. It’s an interesting old industrial area, very photogenic, provided with a big parking area and a special shuttle service to and from the hall to the local train station. Inside, there is a lot of modern concrete design and old steel, great acoustics and a good view on the stage even from the back wall. Such kind of venue was missing in Dortmund and I hope this location will stay as residents have filed lawsuits. Next year the owners want to rename the venue and also open a club in the basement. Let’s keep the fingers crossed for them.

The arrival was easy. Seems I was early enough or just had luck on my direction. There was a Champions League soccer match nearby I wasn’t aware of before the show (but I should get afterwards), and let so many people get stuck in traffics. However, many stewards led drivers to the parking (3 Euro) and people to the hall. Around 1500 fans appeared, so the hall was properly filled but with enough space left to move and breathe.

:: pics :: RAZZ ::

To warm up the crowd, German newcomers :: RAZZ :: got onto stage at 8pm. They meshed with the headliner as they ain’t far away musically. RAZZ play a colorful blend of Rock, Pop and Indie with a little pinch of Post Rock. RAZZ presented material from their new album, Nocturnal, released in September via SPV. It was a short and crispy 30 minutes show, but it couldn’t hide the fact that all songs sounded somewhat the same regarding rhythms. Backing vocals were too low and the one or the other melody I have heard anywhere else before. Felt a bit like a campus show of a college band. Not really bad, but there is still a lot of room for development, especially when it comes to an own musical identity. However, it worked for the crowd. Quite a few started dancing, many nodded heads or tapped feet to the music. Mission complete.

:: pics :: MANDO DIAO ::

But there was no doubt for whom the fans were here for tonight. :: MANDO DIAO :: were welcomed vociferous and kicked of their set gruff and inexpertly with the 10 years old San Francisco Bay. Right after the band went through their new album, Good Times, they played most of the songs from. In between, they offered some old gems such as Sweet Ride from the debut Bring 'Em In, and Mr. Moon, dedicated to the legendary The Who drummer Keith Moon.
MANDO DIAO kept the show thrilling, always alternating between smashing hits and quieter songs. The guys played their material with a harsh and raw note that perfectly suited the new songs, which are much Garage-like and bluesy. Instead of electronica a Hammond organ took over. The sound was mighty and powerful as fuck. Consequently no tracks from the predecessor were played. I understand why, but it was a bummer though.
The voice of singer Björn Dixgård was a little bit overdriven. On the other hand, his smoky and raspy voice has a very special charm and needs to be put in the foreground ;) As for that, the backing vocals were too low. However, it didn’t narrow the listening pleasure at all.
Drummer Patrik Heikinpieti was once again getting quickly rid of his shirt; Björn Dixgård waited until the encore and then made the girls mouths watering. I heard many ah’s and oh’s. Well, he can do this ;)
No surprise, the crowd went wild at Gloria and Dance With Somebody, and sang along full-throated. At the latter one Bjorn disappeared from stage, I didn’t see him jumping into the audience, and suppose he wanted to dance too ;) Despite the great atmosphere, the audience always again needed to be animated for clapping, singing and waving hands. I have seen many young people there, but also many old ones. Maybe latter ones predominated. Well, the Swedes are used to it and did it with professionalism ;)
MANDO DIAO played around 100 minutes, which, I think, is a good rate for a headliner show. They spread a lot of good vibes and energy and let people happily dancing and smiling. So it happened to me at least. My big smile will last for at least one week ;)

Setlist: San Francisco Bay, All The Things, Sweet Ride, Good Times, All My Senses, Dancing All The Way To Hell, One Two Three, Mr. Moon, The Band, Break Us, Voices On The Radio, Watch Me Now, Down In The Past, You Got Nothing On Me, Gloria, Ochrasy // Child, Shake, Dance With Somebody

Upshot: A fantastic show in a great new location. My recommendation goes for both, band and venue. Only the traffic chaos afterwards I didn’t like (the Champions League match). Well, who the fuck needs sleep…

story & pics © Dajana & Dajana Winkel • Photography