The Blue Van
Any time a European act plays ACL in the middle of the afternoon, it’s a sure bet they’ll mention the heat. The Blue Van was no exception, but their declaration was more polite than most. “I must say it’s a bit hot up here,” singer/guitarist Steffen Westmark remarked gently. Warmth aside, the Danish quartet delivered an appropriately impolite take on R&B flavored British rock circa 1965 for a sweaty crowd that grew as the set progressed. Even in long sleeves, Westmark was plenty animated as he belted out songs like “I Want You” and “New Slough” from their acclaimed 2005 debut, The Art of Rolling. Meanwhile, organist Soren Christensen wrestled his vintage wares like a wiry, bearded animal and bassist Allan Villadsen jumped around the stage like a hyperactive doppelganger of Garth from Wayne’s World, climbing on the bass drum and spitting water at Westmark. The Blue Van also rolled out a few songs from their forthcoming follow-up, Dear Independence. The new songs stayed true to Rolling‘s Kinks/Pretty Things pedigree, and even if they don’t break new ground, the Blue Van’s flailing, crashing delivery proves they’ve done their homework and bought the gimmick in one fell gulp.
This article appears in September 22 • 2006.
