Daði Freyr Wins Gold At First Avenue
Oh fall. The constant tease of summer temps and the chilly cheeks of winter’s approach. Bit of a mixed bag in Minnesota for weather, but hey, at least the trees are finally bursting with color in the Twin Cities. The blurry vibrant patches flying by as I hang out in my light rail car on my way to the venue. Gas is still is too spendy for me to drive there and back PLUS parking, so the train is my transportation savior for the foreseeable future.
Met up with my brother before the show next door to First Ave at The Depot Tavern. Grabbed a $6 ipa for myself, he got a Modest False Pattern and some of their cauliflower wings. Said they were decent, the few things I’ve had from Depot have been solid so don’t doubt it. Always strange when fall rolls around with the sunlight escaping so fast in the evening. Pitch black by 6:30/7, and just will get earlier as the days tick on. Lots of action outside the doors, so made our way inside before the opening act kicked on. Snagged a Surly Furious for my bro and a Mosh Pit Hazy for myself as we waiting for Bríet to appear on stage.
The floor was quite boisterous, lots of friends hanging out and having a good time. As soon as a hint of Bríet appeared, the audience immediately locked in to absorb what was to come next. Towering above everyone, platform shoes accentuating her lean figure in the First Ave stage lights. A laptop and a mic stand being her only main objects alongside herself, she began to sing and I was wowed. Her tone is out of this world. Ethereal, commanding, blissful. Looking like a true pop princess, her fit was lit. Platform shoes, a very cool top, complete glittering green floor-length skirt catching the waves of clean crisp light as she serenaded the captivated crowd. Bríet Ísis Elfar may be lesser known here in the states, but after her magnetic presence on First Ave’s stage, do not know how she can be hidden from us any more.
“Kveðja” was selected as the album of the year at the 2021 Icelandic Music Awards, and other countries need to follow in that example. Some technical difficulties with her levels in the first part of her song, but all was fixed in a blink. She joked with the crowd, mostly in English, then slipped into Icelandic. Such a fascinating and beautiful language. The blend of pop, dance, and electronica impeccably done, so engaging and easy to melt into. If you ever see her coming to town, make sure you attend. Not only will you have a guaranteed blast, but also become a fan. Impossible not to.
After an interesting time on Eurovision back in 2020, Daði Freyr’s song "Think About Things" was set to be a mega-hit even after the event was cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning again in 2021 with his banger “10 Years” ended in a fourth place win, he has shown his talent can shine in any time. After seeing him live, the hype is rooted soundly. Dang, he is a BLAST.
Starting off the set with some of the signature weird visuals displayed on screens dotting the stage, Daði slinked onto the stage to a roar from his dedicated and full fanbase filling out First Ave. Not sure how close it was to being sold-out, but twas ample. Had to have been pretty close. Decked out in an oversized billowing white shirt was giving a combo of mad scientist, Christ figure, and escaped medical patient. Towering above the audience, his 6’10” self was not hindered in any way, making sure to leap and bound over each inch of the infamous First Ave stage. The sense of humor he exudes is as infectious as his musical notes. Sliding from sarcasm to slapstick but also seductive and true sincerity, the rainbow of emotions he produces when performing are mindboggling. Even shy ol’ me let out an audible awwwe along with the crowd when he spoke lovingly about his wife. Even if hiccups happened, he takes it with stride and is a true pro. Endlessly entertaining, improvisational master, fun guy to watch. Some highlights from the two dozen tunes played included an impromtu song ‘for not playing all keys solo with the microphone,’ “I’m So Sorry” a handful of songs in was a delight.
Daði Freyr is exactly who you want to be famous. And of course he did a “Purple Rain” cover during the encore just for us to add a cherry on top of this satisfying cake.
Another 11/10 show at First Avenue for this reviewer.
