Danish atmospheric solo outfit INDIANS is the first act to grace the stage of HOSTESS CLUB WEEKENDER in Tokyo on the Saturday. The curtain is pulled back to reveal a solitary figure seated behind a keyboard on a table draped with black cloth. Dreamy keys ring out as he breaks into opening track “New” and the mood is instantly set. The talented musician behind the moniker, Søren Løkke Juul, possesses a powerful yet delicate voice that rings out into the massive hall and washes over a captivated audience. The crowd is unmoving, but not for a lack of enthusiasm, rather total captivation, as Indians’ beautiful soundscapes and stunning vocals set the tone for what is to be an amazing festival.
Indians’ sound has been likened to that of Bon Iver, who is also signed to British record label 4AD in the company of musical outfits such as Ariel Pink, The National and Purity Ring. Despite only having his first live performance just over a year ago, Indians has toured extensively with the likes of bands such as Beirut, Lower Dens, Other Lives and Savages, plus he’s performed in multiple bands in Denmark for the past ten years. As a result he manages to open the festival with a stunning and hypnotising performance, even managing to remain a festival favourite for many.
Indians closes his performance with the hopeful and delicate melodies of the track “This Moment.” Many who had either never heard of Indians before or were not immediately blown away by his music are definitely sold on his performance and leave the hall wanting more. Indians’ debut album “Somewhere Else” was released in January this year on 4AD records, and he’s playing Denmark’s Best Kept Secret Festival this month before embarking on his US tour in July.