Monday 29 August 2011

Lowlands 2011 Day 3: Taking It Easy



When you're partying it's time for the last day before you know it. A bit of coffee to get us going (that DE coffee really is horrible) and we're on our way for day three!


Lowlands 2011 Day 3, August 21 2011
Looking at the program this is gonna be a relaxed day. Which is good because our bodies are aching from head 'til toe and we could use some rest now and then.



Frank Turner (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
First up is the man I heard a lot about. He used to play punk but traded his electric guitar for an acoustic one and...kind of still is playing punk music but with an acoustic ring to it. Which works really well. Not all songs are equally appealing especially when they're turning into Scottish folk. But the songs that are more melodic are quite good. He looks comfortable on stage, is chatting away making funny comments and his voice is just really powerful.





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De Staat (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
With their first record they dropped a bomb on the Dutch music scene and filled up the Grolsch stage two years ago. This year with their second album they make it to the biggest stage. And they play a good set. Not all songs are real crowd pleasers; they are good but maybe not that rocking as the older songs. However they balance their set nicely and put down a good show. "The Machine" seems to have a bit of a slow start in 'Back To The Grind', but it still impressive to see it laying down the groove for the song. And 'Ah I See' is a great way to close their performance.





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The Kills (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
You never know what you're gonna get with Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince. They're off to a good start, the dark and a bit cold songs sound good and rock bitch Mosshart is going through all her poses. It's far from party music so the crowd is not exactly jumping. Then a beer hits Hince's guitar. He seems to kind of ignore it, but at the end of the song he's pretty pissed (and for a good reason). It takes the fire out of the show and they finish it on routine. Too bad with such a promising start.

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Happy Camper (Ronald Says 9 out of 10)
I've mentioned this project many times on my blog so I won't go into details about the story behind it. All guest vocalists are present today, so the songs get the interpretation they deserve. The Lima stage is the perfect setting, the weather is lovely and it ends up in a dream for initiator Job Roggeveen. It is showing once again how strong his compositions are.





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Interpol (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
With this band from New York you can't really go wrong. Their dark music is always impressive and they play a very tight set. But I can imagine that for many it isn't really appealing to see those static musicians on the dark stage. Of course they also play songs off their last album that simply isn't as good as the other three. Fortunately the end of the show is the best part where 'The Heinrich Maneuver' and 'Slow Hands' come up and where they close the set with the great 'Obstacle I'.

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Karnivool (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)
I was making sure not to go see The Offspring and decided to go see Karnivool. I heard many good thing about them and especially the part where people say they play Tool-like compositions triggered my interest. But it's a disappointing show. The music is complex and creative but nothing near Tool. The musicians have no charisma at all and singer Ian Kenny's vocals sound alike most of the time. The songs and set list are lacking variation because of that and it makes this show a hard one to sit out.

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And so Lowlands 2011 comes to an end. But not before we party out our last bits of energy. Maybe the program wasn't that great on paper but we had a great weekend with many good performances in the end. Lowlands 2012 anyone?

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Sunday 28 August 2011

Lowlands 2011 Day 2: Magic and Sausages



We wake up to a lovely day. After a great first day with many high lights, today is looking a bit pale on paper. But I'm ready to be proven wrong. After a hearty breakfast and coffee of course.


Lowlands 2011 Day 2, August 20 2011
To head it off we join the big Karaoke party 'Lowlands is singing' that is a good way to get rid of your hang over and get you in the right mood. With a smile on our face we leave for the first performance of the day.



Young The Giant (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)
One of the upcoming bands and promising for the future according to many, but I wasn't impressed by their album at all. Hopefully they can convince me live on stage. But after a few songs I already find out that's not gonna be the case. Singer Sameer Gadhia has a good clear voice but I don't believe him. It looks like he's practiced every single move in front of the mirror. The performance of the band is looking pale and after a while I'm getting bored. Like on the album they only have a few really good songs. But I'm not gonna stick around for their best song 'Body'.

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The Deaf (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
So I rush over to The Deaf at the small Charlie stage. I liked their lively performance when they were support act for the Arctic Monkeys a few months ago. And today it's even better. The band is full of energy and their punk rock songs are firing up the crowd. Frans "Spike" van Soest is proving once again he is a great front man. He's playing with a big smile on his face all through the show. Keyboard player Maurizio "Skinny Mau" Pinna keeps rocking his organ most of the times adding to the lively atmosphere. It's the perfect band for this sunny afternoon and just the wake-up call I need.





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DeWolff (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
Three young dogs take the big Alpha stage for their psychedelic rock music. Only a few years ago they were playing the small neighbouring Charlie stage but things went fast. With their second album they proved they are here to stay. I was a bit worried the stage may be too big for them, but during their show the huge tent fills up gradually. Many people are impressed by the skills and talent of this young band. They have put together a smart set list that slowly builds up to a climax. By then they have already won everyone over.





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National Youth Jazz Orchestra (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
Jazz on a festival like Lowlands may not be an obvious choice and is quite a gamble. The Lima on the other hand is a great stage for these experiments, where people are open minded and that can turn into a party. The orchestra consists of some of the most talented young jazz musicians in The Netherlands at the moment and Benjamin Herman is their mentor and conductor. He's the right man for the job with his never ending enthusiasm and great skills. And it works brilliantly. They have put together a very good set with appealing and swinging songs. A couple of young, talented and more experienced musicians join them as well to take on many of the solo's. It's a great success and proof that even jazz has a place on this festival.

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Cloud Control (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
I'm trying out this band from Australia. Their mix of folk and psychedelic indie rock isn't really my kind of music but it sounds interesting enough to stick around. They are playing a convincing set and the musicians are giving it all resulting in good vibes. The part where bass player Jeremy Kelshaw is hitting a flight case with some kind of big plastic sticks is a bit weird though. It's probably supposed to add some percussion element but it gets kind of lost. Overall it's a good show nevertheless and it's one of the surprises of the weekend. This is a band to keep an eye on.

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Cage The Elephant (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)
Matthew Shultz, the singer of this band from Kentuky, is known for his energetic performances. And that's definitely no lie. He's all over the stage and looking for contact with the crowd. But his vocals aren't great and it all starts to sound the same after a while. Shultz is addicted to stage diving and when the rest of the band has already left the stage he decides to take one more leap into the crowd. When they could improve their songs it would get a lot better. But it's a nice band to have on a festival.

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Elbow (Ronald Says 9 out of 10)
When you've seen Elbow a few times, you know what you're gonna get. So it won't be a surprising performance. But when you do it so well and convincing like Guy Garvey and friends that's no problem. The show will be recorded for an upcoming DVD and so everyone is looking at its best. Garvey is as charming and charismatic as ever. He's wrapping all of us around his finger without a problem and everyone is kindly following his interactive requests. He could have asked the crowd to do anything really. The set is mostly made off their last two hit albums and with the addition of some live strings they all sound magical. In between they even have time to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a drink and a small acoustic moment together. So maybe it isn't all that surprising but it's still working so well. And yes Guy, we're still okay.





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So this day is ending strong and it's party time again. A few hours later we find ourselves in the middle of a big sausage party at the camping shop. Mustard anyone?

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Saturday 27 August 2011

Lowlands 2011 Day 1: Explosive First Day



What a day before the Lowlands festival kicks off. A horrible thunderstorm causes a drama at the Pukkelpop festival with four people getting killed and many wounded. There's also lots of damage to the festival site and band equipment. The same day the Lowlands visitors who already were at the camping sites suffered heavy rain as well but fortunately it was nothing compared to their fellow festival visitors in Belgium. When the air clears up Lowlands is ready to kick off the 19th edition.

Lowlands 2011 Day 1, August 19 2011
Skunk Anansie and the Smith Westerns who are playing the festival had their equipment damaged at the Belgian festival drama and have to rent replacements. But for the rest Lowlands doesn't suffer any consequences. So we're off the usual way except for an unnecessary long wait at the festival site's entrance that causes us to miss The Wombats. Organization, deal with this next year please!



Fitz and the Tantrums (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
So the first band we see is the soul band from LA. The band of Michael Fitzpatrick is a good way to start with it's uplifting soul songs. The real star of the band is singer Noelle Scaggs with her impressive voice. The whole band is treating us to a lively performance and the crowd is digging it a lot. I'm sure they made many new friends today.

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Anna Calvi (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Time to check out the singer with the impressive voice. I read goog things about her performances but I guess today wasn't really her day. It isn't easy for her to keep everyone's attention in the half full India tent at this time of the day. Her voice is good though and although it's not really my cup of tea, she's still playing a solid set. Better go see her live in a small intimate club.

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Wolf Gang (Ronald Says 7 out of 10)
Singer Max McElligott's band Wolf Gang are playing the small Charlie stage and I agreed to meet some friends there. I can't find them but I see most of this band's show which is a nice one. His voice is good and they are playing catchy indie pop songs. It all stays really friendly though and it doesn't really stick out. If they take more risks and rough it up a bit this could grow into a bigger act in a few years.

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Jungle By Night (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
Another show by these young musicians, that I've watched a few times now. Are they able to play the Lowlands crowd as well? Of course they are. The crowd at the Lima stage are usually open minded and love a good party. So this afro beat party is a winner right from the start. And the young band know exactly how to play a willing crowd. They fire them up, let them participate and every solo is greeted with loud cheers. In a few years they will probably rock the big Alpha stage if they can keep this up.

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Miles Kane (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
With his friend Alex Turner he showed he's capable of writing good songs. But exactly how big is his part in The Last Shadow Puppets? His old band The Rascals never really could impress but as a solo artist Miles Kane is showing he's able to come up with some great jangling guitar songs of his own. And on stage it all sounds convincing as well. Too bad Turner doesn't show up although his Arctic Monkeys are playing later today.

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dEUS (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
They are coming up with a new album next month, but still they let us decide what songs to play earlier in the week. Of course that results in a greatest hits set that shows how good this band is and how many great songs they wrote. Only one new song, 'Constant Now', made it into the set and for the rest all the big ones are there: 'Suds & Soda', 'Fell Off The Floor Man' where front man Tom Barman effectively squeezes in the words "Barbara Streisand", referring to the Duck Sauce hit. 'Nothing Really Ends' flows into 'Bad Timing' seemlessly, although I think the intro to the last song lasted longer earlier this year. The set closes with the ever brilliant 'Instant Street'. Although not as experimental anymore as they used to be, dEUS has transformed into a solid rock band over the years. I can't wait to hear the new album.





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White Denim (Ronald Says 9 out of 10)
After another great album I was dying to see White Denim live. And I wasn't disappointed at all. They play their complicated songs with such ease that it almost looks simple. The playful guitar licks, swinging drums and high pitch dreamy vocals sound great. The band is looking lively and fresh and these fine musicians impressed many people. I think they made many new friends today.





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Arctic Monkeys (Ronald Says 9 out of 10)
After two very convincing shows earlier this year I thought I knew what was coming and wasn't expecting many suprises. But I was wrong. The first surprise was Alex Turner's look: an impressive 'Teddy Boy' quiff and leather jacket for a true rock 'n roll look. It suits him well and seems to give him more confidence. The band looks totally different from two years ago when they were closing the festival. They treat us to a hot energetic show, playing their best heavy songs. 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor', 'When The Sun Goes Down', 'Brainstorm', all the favourites are there. Of course the ones from the new album are not missing out, including the great current single 'The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala'. Friend Miles Kane does turn up in the last song and great closer '505' to play some guitar. Can this band get any better?





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This day turned out even better than I hoped. Can the other two days even come close? We'll find out tomorrow, but first it's time to party. Titty Twister anyone?

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Thursday 18 August 2011

Boots Electric Puts On His Dancing Boots


As a front man to the Eagles of Death Metal Jesse "The Devil" Hughes, also named Boots Electric, already made three fine rock albums. The gritty rock 'n' roll songs, that he cooked up together with Queens of the Stone Age star Josh Homme, were played enthusiastically and with wit. The band visited The Netherlands several times and played entertaining shows, with a somewhat drugged Hughes as the merrily chatting and cheerful centre of attention. Now he's coming up with a solo record as Boots Electric entitled Honkey Kong. It was produced by Tony Hoffer who has worked with Beck, Depeche Mode and The Kooks in the past.


Boots Electric - Honkey Kong (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)

Anyone expecting another Eagles of Death Metal record, will be disappointed. Although it most certainly contains elements of that band, it has more turned into a pop record with lots of room for electronics. The ironical and witty lyrics however did remain, where Hughes tells about his female conquests and his admiration for the ladies. Many songs are very danceable with lots of electronic grooves, resulting into catchy tunes.

But it's mostly the songs that lean towards the rock sound of Eagles of Death Metal that are the most appealing. On these songs the electronics have a more supporting role instead of appearing on the foreground. And that just works a bit better. In 'Speed Demon' you can hear a playful organ and 'You'll Be Sorry' is a somewhat lazy rock song. 'No Ffun' even turned into a genuine crooner song.

Hughes won't impress many with this record. It is too light and free-form for that. It does sound like enough effort and time was put in the album. But in the end it just won't really stick. Ah well, enough reason for him to come visit our country again and spend an afternoon in an Amsterdam coffee shop. And after that cheerfully climb the stage with a big grin and flirt with the girls. So the small room of Paradiso will probably have a lively evening in September.

This review has been published on ROAR E-Zine in Dutch over here.

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Wednesday 17 August 2011

New Video And Looks For Red Hot Chili Peppers

The first single 'The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie' of the long awaited upcoming album of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has surfaced on the internet for a couple of weeks. So now here's the accompanying video with a new look for singer Anthony Kiedis. Including a "cool" 70s porn moustache. What do you think (of the video, song or the moustache)?


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Monday 15 August 2011

Sniffing The Grass: A Lowlands 2011 Warmup


Choices, choices, choices. Life's full of it and so is a festival like Lowlands with so many stages. It's bound to have bands playing at the same time and this year isn't any different. So it sold out in 2 hours in December, but when the line-up was complete many people were disappointed. So yes, it lacks a few good headliners. But look past the headliners and you will find a wealth of exciting bands. No time for breaks! What about food? Beer is very nutritious as well and will fill you up if you drink enough of it. What about sleeping? That's so 2010 and very overrated. Let's dig in...

Friday


Our tent is up, the first beer is empty and the first choice arrives: The Wombats that was a must see a few years ago or Foster The People that is much talked about this year? Well Foster the People cancelled but their replacement The Horrors don't make the choice any more easier. Then maybe some nice new soul and dance a little with Fitz and the Tantrums. After that dream away with the sultry voice and looks of Anna Calvi. Then the temperature will rise for a guaranteerd tropical afro-beat party with Jungly by Night. I'm afraid De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig can't drag me away there. The Vaccines cancelled so one less band to worry about. Time to get blown away by the Smith Westerns? Who knows. Maybe Alex Turner will show up at good friend Miles Kane's show. Let's see if Noah and the Whale are as good on stage as their last album. You can't go wrong with dEUS of course but then I have to rush off to see a bit of White Denim, since I don't want to miss that band. To end this day it's another performance by the Arctic Monkeys who managed to impress me twice already this year. Maybe Miles Kane will show up?

Do I have any energy left for a little dancing and drinking? I'm afraid so. What do you say Mr. Grolsch? Would you like to dance with me?





Saturday


And the second day is off to another day of choices. Go see much talked about band Young The Giant whose album I didn't really like? Or go see Di-Rect's Spike with his energetic hobby band The Deaf? Then it's off to these great young rockers DeWolff. Or Bombay Bicycle Club? I think I'll stick with the young dogs and their 70s rock. Mona say they are the next best thing but I missed them on Rock Werchter. I guess I get a second chance. I like jazz a lot so I'm gonna check out the Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest directed by my favourite Dutch sax player Benjamin Herman. Maybe then relax a bit with the blues of Seasick Steve and then find out what Cloud Control is all about. Hello! Cage The Elephant, Selah Sue or La Boutique Fantastique? Tough choice and I'll decide at that time. Maybe go for two out of three. After I finally got Elbow I don't want to miss them, so that's a no brainer. Aaaah, time to relax with pop-corn, beer and 10.000 other people to watch the movie Conan The Barbarian. That's gotta be good.





Sunday


Last day so let's take it a bit slow? I don't think so. Frank Turner, Little Dragon or Cherri Bomb? Enough with the choices! Since Turner manages to impress many people I think I'll go with him. Dutch rockers De Staat are always good for a solid show. Although I'm not a hip-hop fan, you can't ignore legends like The Roots. Let's see if Alison Mosheart can rock hard without Jack White but with The Kills. I'm definitely not gonna miss Happy Camper but that means I'll have to skip Skunk Anansie. Maybe Interpol's last album wasn't their best but they still play nice live shows. So maybe I won't be able to make it to The View. Let's see if Liam Gallagher is any more interesting with Beady Eye than on Rock Werchter. And let's go out with a bang, not with The Offspring (meh!), but with Karnivool, "the Australian Tool" as some people call them.





If I didn't drop to the ground by now, some sangria, maybe some stand-up comedy and some more partying sure will.

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Friday 12 August 2011

Camping In The Park With Happy Camper



Earlier this year you could already read about Job Roggeveen's special project Happy Camper. The musical project keeps groing and after the successfull release of its album and a theater tour he will be playing the Lowlands festival as well later this month. His performance today in the Vondelpark is a good warm up.

Happy Camper at Vondelpark Amsterdam, 7 August 2011



After many days of rain it finally clears up and we're treated to some well deserved sunshine. Not all guest vocalists can make it today due to full schedules and business elsewhere but still Janne Schra (Schradinova), Leine, Ricky Koole, Marien Dorleijn (Moss), Bouke Zoete (The Kevin Kostners) and of course David Pino with his own Volunteers are present and that makes quite an impressive list. Troubadour Case Mayfield is filling in as well.



The only one missing today seems to be yeti Manfred but he keeps missing the boat a lot. And so with this nice weather, cold beers and wine, great musicians and good vibes this turns out into a great camping trip. I left the park as a happy camper myself anyway.



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Tuesday 9 August 2011

Little Barrie Is Riding The Waves Of Good Old Rock Music


The English band Little Barrie is relatively unknown outside the UK. But its members have quite a track record. Front man Barrie Cadogan worked with big artists like Paul Weller, The Chemical Brothers and Primal Scream. Drummer Virgil Howe did a lot of session work and also worked with his father Steve Howe from prog rock band Yes. King of the Waves is their third album and is full of rock 'n' roll songs that could have been recorded fifty years ago. And that's exactly what this threesome wants to sound like: a good old fashioned rhythm 'n' blues band.

Little Barrie - King of the Waves (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)
This is clear right from the start with first track 'Surf Hell'. A screaming surf riff and jangling drums are the basis for some pure raw rock. It sounds like everything has been recorded in a garage without being polished up or recording tens of takes. This gives the album a lush authentic sound with a sharp edge. The songs did get enough attention though, since they all sound convincing. It all comes together halfway the record in the excellent 'Now We're Nowhere' with a lovely swinging groove.

When the guys take it a bit more easy, they not surprisingly are leaning more towards the blues. 'Dream To Live' is a laid-back track that floats by gently. When Cadogan isn't singing, his guitar speaks. And he's doing a great job at it. His solos are nice and gritty with lots of echo and distortion and remind of times long gone by. The rhythm section is lively and provides catchy grooves and riffs. One point of criticism is that it all sounds very much in control. The musicians could take more risk now and then and go crazy.

But that's just a minor footnote. The whole album breaths sweaty blues and rock that we know so well from the sixties. Anyone who still suggests that rock is dead should listen to Little Barrie. Maybe they are not breaking any new ground here, but they prove that rock is still alive and kicking. And when it's up to this band, it will stay that way for a long time fortunately.

This review has been published on ROAR E-Zine in Dutch over here.

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Thursday 4 August 2011

A Day In The Park With Case Mayfield And Dazzled Kid


Every year in the summer the Vondelpark in the centre of Amsterdam has a great program of comedy, music and dance in the weekends. Unfortunately due to our busy schedule we can only make it a few times. But we were glad we could make it Sunday to see Case Mayfield and Dazzled Kid

Case Mayfield and Dazzled Kid at Vondelpark Amsterdam, 31 July 2011
I won't post an actual live review since that doesn't fit these performances in the park. The idea is to relax and enjoy the nice performances. And maybe people passing by will stop to watch and discover something new. They were really lucky today to see two great musical acts.



First up for us is Case Mayfield. This singer/songwriter made a big impression on me the first time I saw him play. His great voice, shy appearance and the way he is singing his heart out make his beautiful songs stand out even more. My favourite song 'Louise' gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. Go see him when you get the chance and download his latest EP (and pay for it!). You won't regret it.



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Dazzled Kid is the one to close the day. Tjeerd Bomhof is singing in his usual manner, maybe not chatting as much. But that's because he's so happy and impressed to be playing in his home town according to himself. It doesn't really matter since the vibes are good and the weather cooperative. When he has to end his performance because otherwise "some lawyer living near the park will start complaining" they play one more song acoustically ending this great afternoon in a perfect way.



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Tuesday 2 August 2011

The Quill Make New Start


A year after the Swedish band released their last album In Triumph in 2006, singer Magnus Ekwall left the band. This was quite a loss since Ekwall, with his typical voice that sometimes reminds a lot of Chris Cornell, was really important for the band. This looked like the end for The Quill. But now there's a new album Full Circle with new singer Magnus Arnar; yes another Magnus. He awaited the heavy task to make everyone forget about Ekwall on the thirteen songs that are on the album.

The Quill - Full Circle (Ronald Says 6 out of 10)
What is striking right away is that his voice is different than Ekwall's. It's less impressive and his reach seems a bit smaller. He tends to outcry himself and is overdoing it sometimes. This is especially noticable in the terrible ballad 'No Easy Way Out'. Fortunately there are mainly heavy songs on the album and they sound pretty nice most of the time. In the old line-up you could mistake the band for Soundgarden in their early years, although they never came near the band from Seattle. It lacks subtlety and variation for that. But now they go back to stoner rock instead. And especially on these testosteron loaded songs is where The Quill sounds best.

On 'Medicine' things go wild with pumping riffs, a nicely building middle part and grooving drums. On other songs, '24/7 Groove' and 'More Alive' they let things fly and their hair down as well. It's uncomplicated heavy rock and it's understandable they throw in a quiet song now and then to prevent the record from having not enough variation. Unfortunately these are the bad moments of the album and 'River Of A Moonchild' together with the mentioned 'No Easy Way Out' is a total miss.

For many The Quill fans it will be strange when they hear Full Circle for the first time. It's not a bad record and there's enough to enjoy. But it all sounds quite the same and it won't be enough to forget about Ekwall. It's doubtful if Arnar will be able to perform the old songs convincingly in the upcoming live shows.

This review has been published on ROAR E-Zine in Dutch over here.

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