Made up of longtime creative partners and friends Finn Gronemeyer (vocals, bass, synthesizer) and Josch Becker (keys, guitar), Zimmer90 have been releasing music since their formation in 2017.
Last night marked their return and first show back in London (and the UK) since last summer, and it was well worth the wait.
Their absence was clearly felt as fans filled the venue early and fast. Before Zimmer90 even stepped on the stage, opening act and sibling duo PUNCHBAG shook the crowd with their punk-pop tracks like ‘You Used to Be So Sexy’ and ‘I’m Not Your Punchbag’, striking a perfect balance between the digital world and reality. This group is not to be overlooked, as lead singer Clara Bach bounced around the stage with such an infectious energy one couldn’t help but jump along with her.
The venue, more often home for drag shows as a historic LGBTQ+ club, made for an interesting stage for a band to perform on. When Zimmer90 finally took the stage, Finn remarked over audience cheers and screams how much space there was between the audience and them. This prompted both him and Josch to make an effort to get as close as possible during the set. They never stopped dancing, running around the open space, and sometimes even perched right up on the front of the stage.
A stand out moment came between songs as Finn and Josch requested the audience to crouch low to the floor for the build up to ‘Whatever’. The thunderous slams on the piano and the synths were intense, bringing on the energy of whatever the night was to bring. As the song began in full, all of the crowd were back on their feet again and singing along "Tonight, tonight / We'll be together tonight".
Zimmer90’s unique blend of synth-driven beats, echoing vocals, and easy melodies make you feel like you’re floating in a dream. They easily brought the crowd up and about with nonstop movement, barely stopping between songs. Highlights included jumping along with songs like TikTok favorite ‘What Love Is’, a sing-a-long to ‘Yours and Mine’, and brand new unreleased song, ‘Dance’, which was met with nods of approval.
After a fake-out finale and a short wait, the band returned for an encore. Fans who had thought the show was over sprinted back inside the cramped pit as they heard the music begin again. Finn grabbed an acoustic guitar for him and Joscha to unexpectedly enter the pit with the fans themselves. The fans parted, forming a circle around the duo. Through the hushed voices and held breaths, Josch began to sing an acoustic version, softer and more tender, of ‘Summer Rain’. Soon enough the small voices joined in a beautiful collection of sounds of “Summer rain / All my fears got / Washed away / So wide and gray / In summer rain”.
Ending their show with energetic hits like ‘Movin’ and ‘Feel Like We Used To’, Zimmer90 bowed, grinning wide, and visibly moved by how loud their London crowd was. They handed out a few setlists to eager hands reaching from the front row, sealing the night with a personal touch and a forever connection to the special timeless nights their shows provide.
Zimmer90 continues their summer shows across the UK and Europe. You can find tickets here for many more unforgettable nights of dancing.
Molly Spencer
Image: Sofia Salazar Studer
