GIANT ROOKS IN TORONTO
BY ARLIN FINCHGerman indie-rock band Giant Rooks composed of lead singer Fred Rabe, Finn Schwieters on guitar, Luca Göttner on bass, Jonathan Wischniowski on piano and Finn Thomas on drums, took to the stage for their HOW HAVE YOU BEEN? Album Tour on a particularly special solar-eclipse evening. Like many others, I was first introduced to them through their cover of Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” performed alongside German folk/ rock band AnnenMayKantereitwhich went viral on YouTube and TikTok in late 2021, garnering them many new fans, particularly in North America. Their biggest audiences are in Europe as a large part of their fanbase resides there, so it always feels particularly special when they come to Canada, getting to see them perform in more intimate venues.
Fans had been lining up at The Opera House since 7 AM. I had arrived after midday just in time to catch the solar eclipse itself. Although clouds surrounded the venue and we were unable to see the sun, as the eclipse occurred the sky grew dark and cold, then quickly back to a bright and brisk spring day, so strange and so cool! Many in line were visiting from Montreal, planning to head back home and catch Giant Rooks’ show there the following night. I got to see them perform for their first ever performance in Toronto at Lee’s Palace back in 2022 and it remains one of my favourite concerts I've ever been to. They returned to Toronto in 2023 with the second run of their Rookery album tour and put on another incredible show, so I knew that this time would be no exception.
The show was opened by German alt-pop band Friedberg, setting a really fun, energetic tone for the night. Three out of four members played electric guitar which made for some really great and unique instrumental moments. Opening the show with their single “For You” Giant Rooks hit the stage as cheers erupted from the crowd. They always bring such an infectious energy right from the beginning, you can’t help but to sing along with a big smile on your face. Some earlier songs from their New Estate and Wild Stare EP’s as well as their aforementioned iconic “Tom's Diner” cover had been bumped from the setlist this tour to make room for their new songs from the How Have You Been? album, while still performing fan favourites including “Bright Lies”, “Heat Up” and “New Estate”. There are some unique touches that really make a Giant Rooks show, like Rabe’s centre-stage drum solos, Schwieters and Göttner playing side by side. Something I always love, often overlooked as an instrument, yet a key component in their performance is the tambourine, Rabe having it in hand for many of their songs. I always find it to be such a fun and charming addition, especially since its sound isn’t as evident in the studio recordings, it really adds to the atmosphere.
Rabe has incredible live vocals. During the bridge of their song “What I Know Is All Quicksand” the original track features layered vocals and a soft instrumental. In their live version, we initially only hear Rabe’s voice and the soft strumming of his acoustic guitar, and instead of his soft vocals in the original, he sings loud and powerfully from the start. A few times as he sings the bridge he walks far away from the microphone towards the back of the stage, and yet his voice still fills the venue, echoing throughout. The crowd silently listens and cheers begin to erupt as the lights dim and you think the song is over. Blue light swallows the room and they suddenly get right back into the bridge, their voices layering beautifully over each other into an all-consuming chorus. It’s the type of moment that gives you literal goosebumps, and the part of the show that I most look forward to.
“Soon I am leaving, soon I’ll be gone, I don’t need reasons to be alone.”
- “What I Know Is All Quicksand”, Giant Rooks
Giant Rooks create instances especially within their new songs to take anticipatory pauses, building the tension and excitement in the crowd at all the right moments. The band as a whole has a great presence on stage. They ended the night with an energetic encore consisting of “Wild Stare” and “Watershed”, fans handing them sunflowers as they walked off.
Giant Rooks will be continuing their tour through North America into early May, they put on a show you absolutely have to see for yourself. Tickets can be purchased through their website giant-rooks.com
