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WuK, Vienna (A), 17 March 2001  The WUK is an art centre in central Vienna which offers a broad range of cultural events (paintings, dance, music etc.). As the night sets on what was a really sunny and relaxed day in Vienna, 16 hp will play the Grosse Saal at the WUK. Doors open at 8pm and there is already a rather large crowd outside the brick-walled building. People gather round, some have a fag, some just enjoy the gentle evening breeze. As doors open things get a bit messy but not for long, as Botanica - the supporting act - are already on stage. What those guys do is really impressive as they have a good stage presence and songs that draw you into the dark side of urban life. They mix upbeat songs with songs that drive through the night in low gear and hang on every street lamp. People were clapping. Good. Then the stage was made ready for 16 hp, which was done rather fast as the concert had to finish before 11pm because a techno-dj thing was scheduled afterwards.  The crowd was getting more and more nervous and as 16 hp came on stage they received a warm welcome. As David sat down on his chair and did the intro to "American Wheeze" people got already enthusiastic - it was Saturday and St. Patrick's day in the end. David just stared into the crowd and as far as I could feel everybody was impressed from the first chords onwards. The intensity took the WUK by storm. 16 hp created such a good atmosphere from the beginning that it was not difficult to forget everything around you and just let yourself fall into the music and lyrics. "Clogger" was welcomed maybe the most and people really started to dance and enjoy the rhythm. As 16 hp got through their set to "Splinters" I think everybody saw and felt what makes this band so special and convincing. Absolutely magnificent songs and a stage presence that is rare in these days. David didn't say much as ever, only "Thanks for clapping" and "Thanks, we appreciate it". But he doesn't need many words, the music says it all. They went off stage after this song. People were clapping and it took quite a while until 16 hp came on stage again. Cigarette and a glass of wine in hand, David showed a smile, Pascal, Steve and Jean-Yves also seemed to enjoy themselves. As the intro "Silver Saddle" came along, heaven was really close. Perfect, no other word can describe it. They did two more songs and went off again. As the crowd demanded some more on this Saturday night they came on stage again and played one more encore. Then they left us and we waved good-bye. After the concert I felt really empowered and great. I felt I saw one of the best bands around at the moment and was really happy about that. If you have the chance to see them, folks, please do. You should treat yourself with this wonderful music. By Gerald 
By Karl Fluch
Wien - Wer angesichts des Konzertangebots der letzten zehn Tage noch nicht taub gespielt ist, sein Konzertbudget noch nicht restlos ausgereizt hat und vor allem nach wie vor über Interesse und Aufnahmefähigkeit verfügt, dem seien nachfolgend schnell fünf Wochenend-Pflichttermine in Sachen Pop nahe gelegt: Am Samstag treten pünktlich um 20 Uhr (im Anschluss gelangt es nämlich zu einem so genannten Techno-Clubbing) die schattseitig orientierten Country-Rocker 16 Horsepower im Wiener WUK auf. Von dem herausragenden Quartett aus Denver, Colorado, ist eben das Live-Album Hoarse erschienen, das nachdrücklich beweist, warum diese Zeilen als schwere Empfehlung verstanden werden wollen. Interessant dürfte auch die Vorband Botanica sein: Dieser steht der Kid Kongo Powers vor, der schon in den Diensten von The Cramps, Nick Caves Bad Seeds und natürlich dem Gun Club stand. Ein Heiliger! 16 Horsepower/Botanica:  Flyer by Csilla  Setlist by Eva    
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