Triggerfinger at Kaserne Basel - 27 November 2014

Having seen Triggerfinger more times than I can count within the space of a year and having written about them multiple times, the question arises whether anything more can be said about them. Turns out, yes, there can.

The Belgian band's stop at the Kaserne Basel was their last one in Switzerland on this tour - and one of their best. Successful concert-going is a delicate balance not only of the right band and the right kind of music, but also of location, audience and mood. On this evening, it all came together beautifully.

The three-piece was on reliably top form, helped along by the intimate atmosphere of the Rossstall and an enthusiastic audience. Hinting at the proliferation of mobile phones held aloft at most gigs these days, singer Ruben Block advised that we "don't forget to enjoy the moment" - and so that's just what we did.

Triggerfinger's sweaty blues-rock took us back to basics: guitar, bass and drums all lined up at the front of the stage, up close and personal. Drummer Mario Goossens' slightly unhinged performance was, as always, a joy to watch - from standing on his snare drum to licking his cymbals, he did it all.

The band changed their setlist and reinstated their cover of Lykke Li's I Follow Rivers, which brought them wide recognition in 2012. Though lovely, it doesn't quite fit into Triggerfinger's repertoire, and its omission wasn't keenly felt at their concerts earlier this year. I did miss the growly riffs of Game from their current album By Absence of the Sun, though.

But then there were the highlights of the rockin' On My Knees and the Led-Zeppelin-esque Camaro - I defy anyone not to at least nod their head to the beat during the latter.

Concert closer Cherry was the, er, cherry on top, a raw and howling number that ended Triggerfinger's last Swiss show with a bang.

- Anna Wirz