Friday, 28 August 2009
Lowlands Day 2: Full Of Surprises
So day one wasn't a bad start at all but I was hoping for more. Thanks to some neighbours who woke me up early 'cause they wanted fried eggs at 8.30 in the morning I didn't feel quite the best. But nothing a good cup of coffee can't fix!
Lowlands Festival Day 2 Bigginghuizen, August 22 2009
The Airborne Toxic Event (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
This first band was a good way to start the day. Not really original but well played and the girl playing violin is a nice change from the normal rock band setup. They were doing their best and the crowd seem to have picked that up.
Reverend & the Makers (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Their last album "French Kiss in the Chaos" wasn't really what I was hoping for. Instead of the previous one it doesn't have that many good songs but most of them are just alright. That showed during the gig. The old songs could count on the whole tent bouncing to all sides but the new songs didn't do much. And singer John McClure is a bit too agressive in my opinion. I don't like it when people start pointing fingers at me. Still a nice gig though.
Moke (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)
I was really looking forward to the performance of this Dutch band and to be honest I was a bit disappointed. They tried out some new songs that don't seem to be of the same level of their debut album and their static stage act makes it quite a boring experience. All well played though but they could do with some more fireworks. "Here comes the Summer" still is a great song!
Them Crooked Vultures (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
What do I need to say about this band that I haven't already said? Announced as a suprise act it wasn't really a surprise anymore since the internet had been buzzing for a few weeks about this gig. I made sure I was up front close to the stage to see these guys rocking and especially drum hero Grohl working his kit. And it was great again although maybe not as special as the Melkweg gig but that was to be expected. People were packed even outside the tent and watching the screen to catch this band. I don't think many people were disappointed.
Kyteman's Hiphop Orkest (Ronald Says 9 out of 10)
This guy really is the most hyped Dutch artist of this moment and for good reason. His album has been very well received but his performances have already become legendary. And this was gonna be his biggest one so he invited some more guests to join him and his already big band on stage. There was a horns section, string section, percussion, singers, rappers, the works. But Kyteman had no problem directing this band and making sure it didn't result in a big mess. Instead it was soul, hip-hop, jazz, dance, rock all combined in one and an Alpha tent that went crazy. In the end he deserved his moment in the spot lights which just gave everyone goosebumps I guess. One of Lowlands' most epic moments for sure.
Benjamin Herman Quartet (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
And to continue the swinging mood we were in after Kyteman we went to see Benjamin Herman. As a jazz quartet not the obvious choice for a festival like Lowlands but he didn't bring just his excellent quartet. He also asked some guests to join in and introduced some more horns and members of C-Mon & Kypski. This resulted in a high energy swinging performance that could have lasted all night. Unfortunately they wouldn't let him. Dutch poet, writer and jazz fanatic Jules Deelder had a valuable contribution as well with his stage presence.
And so after this swinging end of the day we disappeared into the night in a festive mood to party some more.
Lowlands Day 1 Review >
Lowlands Day 2 Review >
Labels:
festivals,
live review,
lowlands
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