SXSW 2014: The Iron Bear – Kraak & Smaak

Dutch trio Kraak & Smaak bring their electronic project to the official SXSW showcase at The Iron Bear. The modest crowd is the perfect audience for the dance party that ensues. The blend of live drums and keys build lively tunes that elevate the mood to a whole new level. It’s electrifying in all the right ways.

K&S know how to deliver, and this audience is perfect for it. The otherwise bewildered crowd instantly awakens and begins to bop to the music. Even the bartenders partake in the dance party fun.

Bringing their music into a live setting adds even more appeal to their latest album Chrome Waves. Their mix of DJ equipment and real instruments certainly would translate better in a larger outdoor venue, but the intimate crowd is ultimately receptive and appreciative of the experience. Adding a female element to the performance brings a new edge that is a refreshing exposition of their versatility.

These Netherlands natives know how to make an unforgettable beat. Their policy of creating new albums almost annually goes to show that they’re nowhere near stopping. With some of their singles soaring through the big player blog charts, it’s no wonder that SXSW would want to provide the opportunity to share their music with the world.

Rachel Zimmerman: Rachel Zimmerman (Long Beach, CA) joined the mxdwn team in 2011 as a Live Concert Reviewer. It was the perfect intersection of two of her greatest passions- music and writing. Her love for anything artistic manifested early in life as she designed clothing, created ceramic sculptures, and curated personal playlists for her peers in elementary and high school. As an avid fan of live music, she always found a way to see her favorite musical artists play, whether it was by babysitting enough to pay for tickets to shows or by winning tickets on the radio. Several years, concerts and festivals later, she worked her way up to her current position as Concert Review Editor for music.mxdwn.com. She especially enjoys sharing her love for music with her young nephew who has an affinity for rock and roll and jazz. Rachel continues to review concerts, interview artists and annually attend SXSW in Austin, TX on behalf of mxdwn.
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