On a frigid Chicago night in February, a swarm of fans clad in black descended upon Outset, the city’s newest hotspot for live music. Eager for a night of electrifying electronic art-pop, they gathered in anticipation. Supporting his latest album, Dreamweaver, Copenhagen’s own Trentemøller took over the intimate Bucktown venue. As the night deepened and the winter chill lingered outside, Trentemøller and his band commanded the stage, delivering a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Without question, an experience that must be witnessed live.
Bathed in deep blue lights and pulsing with moody new-wave energy, the stage was primed for an unforgettable night. Although tightly packed, Outset’s intimate setting only heightened the anticipation, as the crowd braced for a powerhouse performance. Just after 11:15 p.m., Trentemøller and his band emerged, igniting the night with a sudden, blinding burst of light. Opening with “I Give My Tears”, they entranced the audience with hypnotic visuals and ethereal vocals. Any reservations about venue size were replaced with dazzling lights, seductive drum grooves, and enchanting melodies. If anything, it may have enhanced the feeling of comradery.
Trentemøller delivered a mesmerizing fusion of industrial, new-wave, and synth-pop that carried fans on a sonic journey lasting well into the night.
Trentemøller’s music spanned a vast emotional spectrum, shifting seamlessly from headbanging intensity to soothing melancholy. The performance was a perfect remedy for my craving for industrial sounds and gothic atmospheres. For me, it felt like a time warp to the 1980s as if Floodland by The Sisters of Mercy had just been released. The band’s stage presence was nothing short of commanding too! Each member exuded an untouchable confidence, owning the moment with sheer musical prowess. They weren’t just performing; they were ruling the night, crafting an electrifying, unforgettable experience.
Having only discovered Trentemøller this year, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the show. Admittedly, my anticipation was tempered by the late start time, but any doubts quickly faded as the night unfolded. Several times, I caught myself thinking, I will never forget this. One such moment came during their electrifying performance of “Dead or Alive”. That frantic, gripping spectacle was so charged with energy, that it felt almost transcendent. Moreover, that sensation lingered as the band eased into “Nightfall”, a Dreamweaver track whose lo-fi shoegaze tones washed over the crowd. It supplied a much-needed moment of serenity amidst the night’s sonic whirlwind.
The electrifying energy carried on late into the night, leaving me utterly spellbound by the show’s end.
A stunning rendition of “Cops on Our Tail“ by The Raveonettes kicked off a breathtaking encore, with “Miss You” and “Take Me Into Your Skin” delivering a powerful, unforgettable sendoff. Despite nearing 1 a.m., Trentemøller and his band gave everything they had, leaving me in awe and earning a thunderous ovation. Overall, it was an incredible evening. Experiencing this act in a live setting, especially as intimate as this venue, is nothing short of essential. This performance was a testament to the raw, immersive power of live music and the sheer brilliance of Trentemøller.
All photography by Oscar D Leon
