Live: Baauer

27th February 2013

Gorilla

You’re probably reading this because you’ve been drowned in the wave of recent viral ‘Harlem Shake’ videos and have even taken a taxing minute to look up the one responsible for your digital demise. So first things first, yes, Baauer did play Harlem Shake and yes, the aptly named record shook the crowd into a frenzied earthquake-inducing response of over-zealous (Harlem) shaking. But for those of you who are less acquainted. Baauer is a Philadelphian producer/DJ who is currently one of the forerunners in the trap game. So it was no surprise that on Wednesday, Gorilla was wall-to-wall packed, leaving just the right amount of hip-wiggle and elbow-flaring room.

Those who initially felt that more room was required were soon inspired by the insanely enthusiastic dancing by the man of the hour, Baauer. If you slacked on your finger blasting for just one second, he would be there with four fingers raised, timekeeping finger thrusting. Which did raise the question of how he had time to actually mix track after crowd-pleasing track from the likes of TNGHT, Major Lazer, 2 Chainz and Flosstradamus. Though he did, and as is now becoming necessary on the DJ circuit, Baauer supplied a hyped and energetic performance, which pandered perfectly to the baying crowd’s needs.

My only criticism would be that it could have been a little bit too hyped, as at times it felt like a barrage of sub-bass kicks and synthesized horn screeches, lacking a diversity in tempo and feel while leaving little time for much needed finger-blast recovery. Overall it can be said that Baauer came, he played, and he did exactly what was asked of him, delivered an enthusiastic musical montage of the latest and greatest in trap, and even added a little extra finger thrusting to the mix.