Klangphonics took the stage at Dublin’s Opium just past 8:15 on Friday, bathed in fog and blue light.

The three-piece from Germany blends electronic music with live instruments, creating their own unique mix. Their atmospheric sound quickly delved into an explosion of bass, sampling delicate vocals over their layered beats. A visual behind them projected a woman staring blankly into the camera and singing along.

While each component of their band worked in harmony, it was clear the drums were most central to their sound. Drummer Ben Kopfnagel’s generous use of the snare and cymbals created a punchy effect, complimenting their synths expertly. He’d routinely grab a pair of shakers to add a more dynamic element.

The ground shook behind me as the crowd danced along with each member of the band. Maxl Walmsley-Pledl on guitar commanded the stage, prowling around and leaning forward and backward in time with the drums. Markus Zunic took control of the soundboard, frequently outstretching his arms towards the audience with pride.

Their visuals added a dreamy element to the show, projecting images that complimented their enigmatic sound. At one point they displayed a giant blue eye behind them. When zoomed in, the eye turned into a galaxy, which then morphed into a starry ocean of water that an astronaut began to swim in. These surrealist moments heightened the crowd's energy even further.

Klangphonics at Opium on April 25th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

The band itself exuded an effortlessly cool air, and were clearly very comfortable performers. About halfway through the show, Zunic mysteriously walked off, and someone from backstage appeared with a large mic stand. When Zunic arrived again, he donned a long pink dress, black feather boa and pink cat eye sunglasses.

“Hell yeah!” one fan roared.

Fuchsia silhouettes of women twirled in the background, as he danced and hurled words into the mic. He moved his arms elegantly, as if casting a spell over the audience.

When Zunic left the stage again, he returned wearing his black tank top and holding a large silver water gun. Fast drums played in the background, as he sprayed the dancing crowd with a thick mist. He walked off again, this time returning with a vacuum cleaner and spray cleaning bottle. Spraying the audience and vacuuming the stage, Zunic’s surrealist energy made the show refreshingly unique.

The theatrics weren’t over, however. A man emerged from backstage, wheeling a veiled cart up to the front. Cartoon visuals of each member in the band appeared behind them, as Zunic lifted the black cloth to reveal a sewing machine. The performer began pretending to sew, and ended the act by throwing a t-shirt into the excited audience.

Each song blended into the last, but the crowd roared for the 2023 single ‘Holocene, Pt. II.’ A wailing guitar danced overtop an intoxicating beat, building slowly to include punchy drums. Their energy felt other-wordly, transporting listeners into their sonic abyss.

After their final song, the band approached the stage and gave a bow. The audience howled and whistled, clearly sorry to see them go.

“Thank you Dublin,” said Zunic. “Goodbye!”

See the full photo gallery here.