These Are Powers from New York have debuted 2007 with “Terrific Seasons”, but already have a remarkable tradition concerning improvised live performances in an idiosyncratic ambience. They have played in a Polish ballroom, a Brooklyn church basement, an Ethiopian restaurant and at various kitchen parties. “We’ve been told that there is not much going on in Vienna when it comes to guerrilla gigging.” Anna – singer and guitarist – is wondering. We answered her question ourselves and organized a kitchen party in an apartment in need of refurbishment. So one day after Anna, Pat and Bill performed at the Donaufestival in Krems, they came to Vienna to play their second Austrian, or more exclusive, their second European show in this frumpish and run-down rooms. Without a doubt this was the noisiest performance we have taped so long. With their archaic rumble and industrial bluster the trio literally made the decorated walls shake. These Are Powers’ snarling ghost-punk befalled the audience that seesawed between covering their ears and joining with yelps, claps and instrumental noisemaking. Finally, after this tribal power attack of distorted bass-drum-toys-shout died away, the only neighbour in this house – living two floors below – came to ask discreetly if we could turn down the sound a little, so that he could sleep in peace. Probably the most subtle neighbour-critique that this kitchen party could have received.

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